hokkaido– tag –

Why is Soba, a grain historically associated with poverty, considered Japan's most elegant noodle—the ultimate first date material? I explore the Paradox of Elegance and the Pavlovian ritual of Shin-Soba (New Soba) season. I conclude with local pride, recommending OKADA, an exquisite Soba restaurant in our buckwheat heartland of Asahikawa—a Tangible Cultural Property where the historic garden view will enhance your appreciation of the elegant grain.

If you can only eat just one food, which would it be, ramen (noodle) or curry? I'm sure we all the Japanese people have asked and answered this stupid question at least once in our life. For your information, I'll take curry, definitely! Anyway, the point is ramen and curry are the top two popular foods in Japan. As I looked up the number of restaurants, ramen is about 24000; curry about 4700, respectively.

【Hokkaido is No.1 in salmon roe】 The Japanese people like to eat fish eggs. The roe of salmon and cod (pollack, to be more precise) is the top two. Salmon roe is one of special marine products of Hokkaido. It comes into season in the a...

Genghis Khan barbecue is a Hokkaido specialty, though it was once just a boring home-cooked meal for me. Tourists love to eat it near sheep ranches, but here's the reveal: more than 90% of the lamb and mutton consumed here is imported from Australia/New Zealand—it's the ultimate imported emperor. If you visit, you can trust any local restaurant, as they've survived the strict taste of Hokkaido people. Crucially, bring a large plastic bag to protect your coat from the intense grill smell. And if you visit MATSUO's newest Tokyo location, you can enjoy this local delicacy while sitting in our chairs.

Japan’s giant killer hornet is a fisherman’s nightmare, but it might be the only thing keeping the forest ecosystem—and our wooden furniture—safe. I explore the unsettling paradox of the giant hornet as both arch-enemy and keystone species, analyze the genius of the native bee’s "bee ball" strategy, and contrast this ecosystem with my home in Hokkaido.

Japan abolished its aristocracy, but a hidden noble class persists. A naive Hokkaido boy explores this secret society, mistaking a TOYOTA heiress for a struggling salesperson. I reveal how their true mark is not conspicuous wealth but profound modesty and normality. This leads to the ultimate marketing challenge: how to sell luxury furniture to people who wear their wealth with invisible tags.

The most popular Japanese noodle dish is definitely Ramen. Nobody would argue against it. These days, Japanese Ramen restaurants open even in Manhattan. For your information, one of such restaurants gaining momentum overseas, "Ramen Santouka" originates in Asahikawa (our hometown), though their NY shop is located a little outside of Manhattan.

Why do the colorful feathers of male peacocks attract female peacocks? Some people may accept the simple explanation: "Because they are beautiful," but I never did. In all through my school days from primary to university, I was an enthu...

【We Hokkaido people reach enlightenment by clearing snow】 Nothing can stay the same. This is very famous Buddhist terminology, meaning "Life is fleeting and empty." Even on weekend, I always wake up very early and leave home before six...

I begin by sharing my "romantic secret"—that snow-lit Hokkaido nights glowed orange—a secret quickly debunked by my wife's superior knowledge. This orange glow, caused by sodium lamps, is now disappearing due to energy-saving LEDs. I lament this because the lights attracted stag beetles, which were easily collected near acorn trees (Oak)—the same wood we use for our furniture. This Hokkaido Oak shares another legacy: it provides the essential cask material for some of the world's finest Japanese Whisky. The light may be gone, but the resilience of the acorn tree quietly connects the past, fine whisky, and our furniture.