I recently had the opportunity of paying a visit to Kokyutenho’s heya again for a typical oishii Sumo nabe dinner. For those who missed out on my previous post on Sumo wrestling, you can check it out here: *smile*

http://www.hannahtan.com/index.php/20100118434/Journal/Live-sumo-match-at-Ryogoku-Kokugikan-Tokyo-Part-1/ (part 1)

http://www.hannahtan.com/index.php/20100118435/Journal/Live-sumo-match-at-Ryogoku-Kokugikan-Tokyo-Part-2/ (part 2)

http://www.hannahtan.com/index.php/20100119436/Journal/Live-sumo-match-at-Ryogoku-Kokugikan-Tokyo-Part-3/ (part 3)

Kokyutenho

another cute Sumo wrestler from the same team/heya (the one on the left ya… hehe)

Coincidently at the same time I also had the honour of meeting a Japanese comedian called Dandy Sakano whom I was informed to be quite renowned here in Japan. *smile*

Dandy Sakano

Y’know I just realized that I have already been spending almost half a year in Tokyo and having balik kampong (Malaysian slang for "go home" with the literal translation of "going back to the village") only once during this term. I can’t believe I survived almost 5 months of tests, exams and homework – literally being back to school again (which comes with the territory of learning a new language BTW *laugh*).

my classmate Denise San and I during our very own ‘boushi‘ (hat) day. *laugh* What a coincidence!!! Hahaha.

Denise San is from Hong Kong BTW. One of the smartest students in class. *smile*

I also can’t believe time flew so fast and I actually survived the distance and change in environment without being too homesick. *laugh* I reckon that with the internet nowadays it’s not like it used to be about a decade or 2 ago ay? *laugh* That’s a good thing and in circumstances like mine, I thank God for creating the creators of Skype! Hahaha. Mum and dad don’t feel so far away now with Skype and PLUS the fact that they have pretty much learnt to be Internet savvy (way to go mum and dad!!! *grin*).

I can’t wait for our next live video chat to catch up on things BTW. Hopefully by then my management will allow me to release details of our upcoming Japan debut single. *smile* Oh and guess what I had for dinner last nite? Hehe…

Homemade ochazuke – a Japanese version of the Chinese ‘moi’ or rice-in-soup sorta’ meal. *grin*

ochazuke

umeboshi

It’s actually the simplest and most convenient meal to have on your own at home. The soup is made of savoury green tea and my favourite topping for this is umeboshi (Japanese plum) and nori (seaweed) PLUS a bit of wasabi for added flavour. I guess this is the best way to NOT waste left-over rice. *laugh*

Traditionally in the Heian period, water was more often used instead of green tea and only at the beginning of the Edo period did ocha become a substitute. In Kyoto, ochazuke is said to be known as bubuzuke and according to Wikipedia, when a Kyoto native asks if a guest wants to eat bubuzuke, it really means that the person has overstayed and is being politely asked to leave. *laugh* So take note if you’re heading to Kyoto anytime soon ya! Hehe.