Restaurant Review: Ikkaku
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Restaurant Review: Ikkaku

After four months of gorging myself on sushi, devouring okonomiyaki, and practically inhaling takoyaki, I found that I had slightly overindulged myself in my favourite Japanese dishes, both old and new. It was high time for a good meaty meal. Recommendations took me to the Brazilian place in Harbourland which quelled my appetite for a…

Music Review: Two Door Cinema Club
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Music Review: Two Door Cinema Club

12/12/12 Osaka- Namba Hatch Two Door Cinema Club are a three piece indie band that flew all the way from Northern Ireland to perform at Osaka’s very own Namba Hatch. They consist of 2 parts grammar school nerd to 1 part cool kid; Alex Trimble (vocals, rhythm guitar, beats, synths & more) Sam Halliday (lead…

Kinetic Films’ New Approach toAsian-American CinemaMovie Review: Hang Loose
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Kinetic Films’ New Approach to
Asian-American Cinema
Movie Review: Hang Loose

You probably recognize the face of Dante Basco from his role as Rufio in the 1991 Spielberg movie, Hook, and those who love Avatar: The Last Airbender will recognize his voice as that of Prince Zuko. But while Dante’s had a successful career in Hollywood spanning several decades, his story is more the exception than…

Travel Japan: Ogasawara – Out of the Ordinary
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Travel Japan: Ogasawara – Out of the Ordinary

I like my travelling. I like it when it’s cheap even more, and there’s something in my brain that tells me I should only use nenkyuu if I’m leaving the country. On top of that, I don’t like going away if there isn’t already a national holiday involved in some way, just for that extra…

Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage: Hokkezan Ichijō-ji
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Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage: Hokkezan Ichijō-ji

法華山一乗寺 If the leaves are still holding on, our next temple (number 26 on the pilgrimage list) is another great place to see them. Ichijo-ji, located in Kasai City, was built in 650. Its three-storied pagoda, completed in 1171, is a Japanese National Treasure and is also the oldest pagoda in Hyogo prefecture. Access to…

Kicchiri Kitchen: Deep Fried Lotus Root with Shrimp Paste
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Kicchiri Kitchen: Deep Fried Lotus Root with Shrimp Paste

蓮根のはさみ揚げ This is a delicious side dish that you can find at an izakaya but it is very simple to make at home too. Ingredients serves 4 as a side dish 2 pieces of lotus root 1 pack of shrimp paste (ebi no nerimono) 3-4 tablespoons corn starch (katakuriko) about 1 cup of cooking oil…