Mt. Fuji Sunset

Mt. Fuji Sunset
Originally uploaded by gogakuhei

In the interest of keeping with my intended M-W-F schedule, I present a picture I took late December last year.

On a clear day, the view of Mt. Fuji from the upper floors of the Mori Tower in Roppongi can be -- stunning is a bit much, but it wasn't unusual for everyone to pause for a minute and look out the window at the view.

It seems like every time I took my good camera to work to get a picture of Fuji, the weather would work against me. As a result, I've really only got a few low-resolution snaps like this from my phone.

I'll have to work at gathering more things to write about.

Kit Kat: きなこ (Soybean flour)

Kit Kat: きなこ (Soybean flour)
Originally uploaded by gogakuhei

Welcome to the first of at least a few Kit Kat posts. I'll be doing these from time to time, especially if I'm busy and not able to put more thought or effort into posting something entertaining. Forgive me. (^_^)

According to Wikipedia, "It is also in Japan that Kit Kat has in recent years seen a variety of different flavors emerge, although each for a limited time. Some examples include, maple syrup, melon, vanilla bean, grape, apple, banana, caramel, kiwifruit, azuki (sweet red bean), green tea, yuzu (a fragrant lemon-like citrus fruit), and cherry blossom. [...] Japan has pushed Kit Kat flavours the most. Kit Kat Japan also has unique "Regional" variations such as a mango-flavoured Kit Kat available only in Kyushu and Okinawa."

So, yeah. There's lots of flavors of Kit Kat to be had, but almost always for limited times and/or limited to a certain locale. (One that I really want to get my hands on is a "soy sauce" Kit Kat I saw recently. How odd...)

So, for today, I bring you "Kinako", or roasted soybean flour, Kit Kats. They taste slightly of peanut butter, thanks to the roasted legume angle. Tasty. Would buy again, if I could find them -- and find them in a regular pack. I could only find these in a large bag of two-bar packs (pictured).

Anyway, there's my post for the day. Off to bed for me. Ciao!

Tabasco!

Tabasco!
Originally uploaded by gogakuhei

I was talking with a friend today and Tabasco came up. I mentioned I'd seen five different kinds here, and thought I'd share. Tabasco in Japan is synonymous with pizza and pasta; it's rare that you can find a restaurant with pizza or pasta that doesn't automatically bring Tabasco out with your dish. You might have to ask for Parmesan cheese, but the Tabasco is automatic. From a western perspective, it's a little odd.

Click through for details/comments on the Flickr page.

My New Kitchen

My New Kitchen
Originally uploaded by gogakuhei

Click on the picture to go to my Flickr page and read the details. The fridge arrived on Saturday, the oven came today. I just finished adding my own touches to the wire rack that holds the oven, toaster, and rice cooker. The touches involved about 60 zip ties, but I think I like the final product.

Here's hoping I can start posting with some degree of frequency. Shall we shoot for Monday/Wednesday/Friday?

Let us hope.