アニメ - Anime

Honestly, for me, two of the best things to ever come out of Japan are anime & manga. This time I want to talk about anime.
At this point, it has also become something deeply mixed with Japanese culture, at such point that even the 2020's Olympic games mascots will be many well-known anime characters.

Anime has been present since 1907 when the "first" anime was made. It is a 50 frame animation called Katsudō Shashin (活動写真, "Activity Photo") and only lasts about 5 seconds.

In 1948, the first animation company came along TOEI Animation. Nowadays it's still one of the biggest anime studios, worldwide even. Next to it, another huge studio is Studio Ghibli (that's an entire story for another post). Founded on June 15th, 1985.

At first, anime was made for Japan and was meant to stay there but slowly it managed to expand to other places around the world. In 1963 the first big export came to the USA, Etsuwan Atomu better known here as Astro Boy. It was aired by NBC. This series was originally a manga that was adapted into animation. This became a regular pattern and that's how many anime came to be.

There have been a lot of changes in anime from the 1900's all the way to today. Storytelling has changed and so has the public. Nowadays people of all ages can find something they will enjoy and maybe even inspire. Anime is definitely something worthy of giving a chance.

鮨 - Sushi

Usually one of the first things that come to your mind when you hear the word Japan is sushi. Surprisingly, what we usually call sushi here is an extremely different concept over there. One of the differences you can find is the name, different types of sushi go by variations of its name. The most common types are nigirizushi, makizushi, sashimi, and temaki.

Makizushi and Nigirizushi
source: https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0000370/

In the picture above you can see nigirizushi, better known as nigiri. This is one of the most common presentations you can see in that country. Its characteristics are that it is simpler than normal sushi, you only have a small rice oval with (usually) a piece of fish on top of it. Once in a while, you can find it with other toppings such as egg (in this case a little bit of seaweed is used to keep it in place), shrimp, octopus, salmon roe, etc.

Temaki sushi
source: https://mx.depositphotos.com/183599258/stock-photo-temaki-sushi-couple-restaurant-table.html

Temaki is also a pretty simple version of sushi but it's delicious. Its name comes from the Japanese meaning "hand made" after all it doesn't need a sushi mat. The nori seaweed is rolled in a cone shape and they fill it with the traditional ingredients.

the most popular type: makizushi
source: https://www.rotinrice.com/maki-zushi-sushi-tub-part-3/

Now this one you know, right? Makizushi is the most popular kind around the world and it's usually the first thing that pops into your mind when you hear the word sushi. Maki means to roll, which should be obvious why when you see the dish. Another common name it's given is nori maki (or norimaki, depends on the person). There are two variations within this kind of sushi, the futomaki, which is a fatter sushi roll, and the hosomaki the thinner version of it (this kind usually has one ingredient inside).

A sashimi plate
source: https://es.favy-jp.com/topics/461

Sashimi isn't actually a type of sushi but it is still tightly related. Its name means perforated body (referring to the fish and meat). This is a dish made from raw seafood, fish and/or meat thinly sliced. It's served along with a sauce and a dressing (usually made of daikon radish). 

Well, know you know a little bit more about sushi. There is still a lot left to learn but the only way to do it is by exploring and discovering it yourself. Good luck adventurers! 

昇る太陽の土地 - Noboru taiyō no tochi

The land of the rising sun... If you don't know of which country this refers to don't worry, because here you would learn it and you would get to know it. Well, if you still couldn't tell by the title this blog is going to be about Japan. This country is recognized as one of the most important countries with big advances, wonderful and incredibly rich culture. Personally, I think it would be a great place to live in.

This are some of the biggest cities in Japan
Source: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/asia/japan/

Japan has four main islands which are divided into 47 prefectures since the early Meiji period so they could replace the old feudal structure. This is important, so try to keep in mind the fact that prefectures exist. But, you must be wondering at this point what makes Japan so wonderful. Well, let us get to that...

+ One of the main things that impress me the most is the security over there, especially with the current situation in México. In Japan, you are free to walk around during day or night even on your own. Of course, no one is exempt of crime since even there you can be attacked or robbed but the odds are way slimmer.

+ Food in Japan is extremely tasty and healthy, it usually consists of mostly veggies and some kind of meat like fish, beef, chicken, pork, etc. Also, traditional food tends to avoid milk which is really helpful for lactose intolerants.

+ Something wonderful of this culture is how the traditional and modern traditions co-exist. There are cities (such as Kyoto) that are an amazing combination of traditions. Even in the most modern cities such as Tokyo, you can find some old-fashioned areas such as the shitamachi district.

Shitamachi district

+ There are so many more things that I wish to talk about but I don't have enough time so we would save them for later. Although I am going to go through one last thing that I can't resist. The cat cafe, they are literally that minus having to clean the litter boxes. It's such a wonderful idea combining cats and coffee especially if you are like me and love both of those things. This trend has been spreading over the world. Nowadays they even opened the first cat cafe in México! 

An example of a cat cafe in Los Angeles