As we welcome the New Year, I made my annual first shrine visit to Hamamatsu Goshajinja Suwajinja in Toshimachi, Hamamatsu! This shrine was established in 1962 when the two original shrines were merged, creating the new Goshajinja Suwajinja. The current shrine building was completed in 1982, and the deities of both shrines are enshrined within a single building...
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Chef Nariaki Onoue of the French restaurant "Café & Restaurant Renri" had a hectic time from Christmas through the end of the year, and we are planning to have a New Year's party at my home early in the new year. At that time, I'd like to learn his specialty, "Beurre Blanc," which I've wanted to learn for a long time...
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Every year, our family has made it a tradition to spend New Year's Day relaxing and taking it easy! We only prepare enough Osechi (traditional New Year's food) to eat in the morning, so for dinner we're looking forward to sukiyaki! Speaking of which, we happened to be talking about Kyu Sakamoto's famous song "Ue o Muite" (Looking Up)...
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"Osechi ryori" refers to celebratory dishes eaten during the New Year! "Osechi" is an abbreviation of "osechiku," and it's a blend of dishes eaten at the beginning of the year to pray for a bountiful harvest, samurai celebratory meals, and commoner dishes to celebrate the New Year. Furthermore, during the first three days of the New Year...
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Happy New Year! Last year, I was able to make wonderful connections with many of you, and I spent fulfilling days thanks to your support. And thanks to all of you, I was able to welcome the new year safely. I look forward to your continued support this year as well...
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