The Food of Kings

It is such a shame when people visit a new country and stick to the same old food that they usually eat back at home. It is impossible to understand a country's culture if the food is never tried. Besides being very different to western food, Japanese food is nutritious and shouldn't be missed out on.

Different regions of Japan specialise in different dishes, but in general it is very varied across the country. The typical dishes include sushi, rice balls, donburi, curry and various seafood dishes.

The Shabu Shabu is a very interesting dish, which involves dipping small pieces of meat, seafood and vegetables in a hot soup, which cooks them, and then in a sauce directly before eating it. Similarly the Chanko Nabe is an unusual dish that is traditionally eaten by Sumo Wrestlers.

It is important to be aware of the manners and traditions used when eating out or as a guest at someone's house in Japan. Learn the Japanese phrases to say at dinner time. These are not complex, but involve more than a simple please and thank you. If a sharing dish has been served then use the thicker end of the chopsticks to serve a helping and place it on your own dish. It is also important to learn how to use the chopsticks properly, so that no food is flicked across the room by accident. Many things that are considered bad manners in western society are also unpopular in Japan, such as talking about toilet related issues, blowing your nose or burping. Slurping food, however, is considered to be a compliment to the chef and a sign that you are enjoying the food.

In most restaurants if it is a simple gathering of friends and family then drinking and eating is a relaxed affair. However if it is an expensive restaurant, or a meal in someone's home then these traditions and table manners are very important, so try to memorise them and be on best behaviour. People across the world understand that every country has different cultures and ways of doing things, but learning the table manners of the country you are visiting is a good way of showing respect.

The Empress of Pop

Japan is home to some of the world's most intuitive and exciting artists, but Ayumi Hamasaki is sure to be among the most popular. Named the Empress of Pop, her status goes far beyond simply being a singer as she inspires fashion trends and has a following wherever she goes. Her music has been hugely successful from a young age and there is no telling what she might do in the future.

One thing to note about Ayumi that could be a reason behind her undeniable popularity is the fact of her control. Every aspect of her marketing and portrayal to the public is considered, from the font on posters, to staying up with her staff waiting on new makeup orders. She is the master of her own success and now that she has even started composing her own music fans are even more inclined to buy into the Empress of Pop.

While her musical talent has never been claimed to be particularly spectacular, it is the flaws in her singing ability that seems to touch the audience. Each song is written by Ayumi and speaks volumes about who she is in this confusing world. The honesty that she expresses so easily is probably the cause of her success. Nearly every one of her singles has been in the Top 3 and considering that the price of a single in Japan is twice what it is in America, this is no mean feat. Every aspect of her appearance is picked up on by fans and the record company is keen to cash in on this, using her face on numerous advertising campaigns.

After being compared to Madonna on numerous occasions, the Empress of Pop is certainly one to look out for. Whether things eventually die down or not, Ayumi Hamasaki has certainly made a name for herself and her songs have touched so many hearts that I doubt anyone would consider her to be anything but a huge success for more than a decade now. The way that she took control of her rise to fame has set a fantastic example for people, no matter what their jobs might be. If you are in control of you life, you have no one to blame for your rise or fall.

The Cherry Blossoms of Japan

While Japan is not the only place in the world to find Cherry Blossom, it is certainly well known for them. There is something very beautiful and sobering about the Cherry Blossom in full bloom and when they are in season Japan is understandably a very popular place. Locals and tourists alike flock to prime locations to experience the Cherry Blossoms in all their splendour.

Japan alone has more that 200 different types of Cherry Blossoms, each one varying every so slightly from the next. The way that the tree blooms and then sheds its flowers only a week later is both heartwarming and heartbreaking and speaks volumes about life itself. Many people watch this spectacle with the thought in mind that lifespan is never as important as what you can create in that time.

When you are in Japan watch out for the sakura forecast that will advise you of when the trees will bloom. Many people try to book into a special hotel or retreat in a perfect position to observe the Cherry Blossoms in all their glory. This usually involves hot springs, massages and is a time to relax and enjoy this singular week of the Cherry Blossom's life. This is an incredibly popular time for holidays though, so all the best places will undoubtedly be booked up early on. This is certainly the type of thing that you need to book in advance.

Some areas are more popular than others for observing Cherry Blossoms. The Shinjuku Gyoen is noted as one of the most popular places, as is Sumida Park. Here they tend to bloom between the end of March and the end of April. Cherry Blossoms are very dependent on the weather and any dramatic turn will have a considerable effect on the time of blooming and the amount of time before the blossoms fall. The blossoms and leaves of the tree are edible, but can become toxic if eaten in large quantities. Often it is either turned into a tea that is drunk at weddings or used to enhance the flavours in sweets and buns.

National Museum Re-Opens

Tokyo is not short on things to do and see, but one of the most popular and inspiring sights has now re-opened. Whether you visit it at the beginning of your trip to start it off in style, or at the end to ensure you finish on a high point, or if you're are a local on regular occasions, it is sure to be an eye-opening experience that will stay with you for a long time.

The Toyokan has been closed for over three years for renovations, so the reopening has been eagerly awaited by tourists and locals alike. The renovations included work on the lighting system, such as non-reflective glass and LED lights. There has also been an alteration of the layout, such as adding additional rooms, for example the Indian Miniature Paintings room. It was also protected against possible earthquakes.

The Museum is now in a larger building so expect to see some changes and the exhibitions are separated by country and region to allow for a more interactive experience. The Asian Gallery is home to the Chinese Buddhist Sculpture, Artefacts from West Asia and Egypt, Art of the Western Regions, Burials in China and Asian Textiles, to name a few. There will also be various different events held throughout the year, so it really is the place to be. Check the schedule in advance and book ahead if you can as some of the more popular exhibitions and events will fill up quickly.

Many people assume that museums are not interesting and more exciting things can be seen on the streets of the city, but it would be a shame to miss out on everything on offer in the Toyokan. Understanding a country's history is part of getting to know it and what better way to do this than in the museum. Some people enter a museum to escape bad weather and often find an exciting world that they never knew existed. It is now easily accessible in four different languages; English, Japanese, Korean and Chinese and all areas are accessible through the new elevator, so there really is no excuse not to go.