Food and drink-obsessed Japan

I have come to notice that aside from the news in Japan (which is slightly less depressing than that in America), TV in Japan features a LOT of programs about food... food from different cities, from different cultures, made in different ways, food contests. I guess it's not too surprising given that this is the land of the Iron Chef, but still, I'm amazed every day at how the Japanese marvel at the different ways to pickle vegetables, prepare red beans, make green tea look enticing, and to plunder the ocean for its fish and seaweed. If the Italians had learned to live without meat as the Japanese have done, perhaps they would have never had to get into that Iron Pact with the Germans before WWII (with disastrous results). Frighteningly, I've come to enjoy eating seaweed, although miso soup at breakfast, lunch, and dinner is beginning to make me feel bloated. I am NOT a soup fan.


My father-in-law weighs about 110 pounds and can seriously pack away food.

My plate was pretty interesting... soba noodles with mountain vegetables and a little egg in the middle (a quail egg, maybe?)




I can't get over these soft sticky rice balls on a stick... dipped in warm, slightly-sweet soy sauce. It'd never go over big with American kids.



The Japanese like their women small and their beers BIG.



Chee-zu!






Only the Germans and the Austrians come close to matching the Japanese for pickle creativity.




Ittadakimasu!



There are drink machines everywhere in Japan, and the variety of drinks is mind-boggling. I wish we had such variety in the US. Of course, that won't happen with the evil corporations that rule the machines in the US.

Many of the drinks are healthy without tons of sugar, artificial color and artificial flavor (though those can be had too).




Getting canned coffee is big in Japan. I like: Georgia Black, and Black Boss, Rainbow Boss and Wonda. No further comment on that picture.



On the train platforms there's all sorts of food, from fast food to the "home cooked" variety. Business people can get healthy food on the go. The sign says "Coffee... Beer" (I think).




More food on sticks.



You can go to Newdays (though I think I like "Olddays" better... or maybe just "Todays"... argh.)