31 August,2016 09:15 AM IST | | Shraddha Uchil
Weird and wonderful — this is how we like to define Japan. It's the kind of weird we have to come to embrace, and eating raw fish is just the tip of it. Over one lakh Indians visited Japan this year, and the figure is expected to rise in the coming year
Ansoo Gupta
Weird and wonderful - this is how we like to define Japan. It's the kind of weird we have to come to embrace, and eating raw fish is just the tip of it. Over one lakh Indians visited Japan this year, and the figure is expected to rise in the coming year.
Ansoo Gupta
If you're a part of this number and have only an elementary understanding of the country and its culture, the best way to dive deep is by attending Ansoo Gupta's travel, language and food workshop on Sunday, smartly titled, Maki is Not a Cuss Word.
After spending four years learning about Japan, Gupta - a seasoned traveller - finally got her chance to explore the country earlier this year. At the workshop, she will be sharing travel tips, discussing Japanese food and teaching fun phrases. There will even be an origami and food demo. Here is a teaser.
On September 4, 11.30 am
At Doolally Taproom, Kemp's Corner.
Call 9969360726
Cost Rs 500
Give me origami
Listen to the tale of Sadako Sasaki, a girl from Hiroshima. She was diagnosed with leukaemia, and while hospitalised, she spent her time folding origami cranes. Japanese legend holds that the one who folds a thousand is granted a wish. At the workshop, artist Jai Ranjit will teach you how to make cranes of your own.
On a (sushi) roll
"It's not too difficult to find inexpensive food in Japan. And contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of options for vegetarians too," says Gupta. The workshop will offer you a primer on Japanese flavours and ingredients, where to find great food, and teach you how to roll your own sushi or make delicious, slurpy ramen.
Train your sights
"Travelling by train in Japan is an experience in itself," shares Gupta. And to do it the right way, she will be explaining how you can get your hands on a Japan Rail Pass before your trip, which gives you access to local and express trains, and to the Shinkansen (bullet train) network that connects most major cities in the country.
Spot geisha
Despite what some of us like to think, you won't find geisha traipsing all over town. Gupta says that if you want to chance upon one, head to Gion, Kyoto's most popular geisha district. Although Gion is not just about them, you might spot a geisha or two shuffling between teahouses in their fine kimonos.
Do as the Japanese do
Locals believe in omotenashi, which can be translated to "Japanese hospitality," and, as a result, they are extremely polite. "You'll hear 'arigatou gozaimashita' (thank you) and 'do itashimashite' (you're welcome) everywhere you go," says Gupta. At the workshop, you will learn these and other Japanese phrases. Gupta adds, "Another interesting thing
I noticed was that the Japanese communicate a lot using pictures."
Quirk factor
> In Japan, it's the norm to get naked with strangers - to soak in an onsen (hot spring), of course! Although strange at first, you'll find that no one bats an eyelid.
> Outside every restaurant, you will find the menu displayed in the form of life-like replicas called sampuru.
> You'll find vending machines in every corner, dispensing pretty much everything you can think of - pizzas, hot beverages, T-shirts and even eggs!
