Okada Coffee Japan - The Romance Of A Loving Couple

The career of Hide Okada the professional chef and coffee roaster began 30 years ago. A culinary school graduate majoring in Chinese cuisine, he started teaching soon after his graduation.

Kae was a junior in the same cooking school. A hardworking and serious young lady, she took some time to get used to the male-dominated culinary environment, and was never moved by any of Hide's jokes. She continued in her quiet hardworking way and was always kind to others. Hide fell in love with her, and successfully courted her to marriage.

After their marriage, they did not work in the culinary industry. They persisted for more than ten years in their jobs before Kae's health was overwhelmed by the terrible stress they felt. At this point, they both realized that there was more life than high salaries - Physical and mental health mattered more.

Without the presence of his wife and life companion by his side, Hide knew that he had to do something for her. He was desperate to seek any solution that could help Kae. Eventually he came to know about the ability of fresh coffee fragrance to stabilize women's emotions.

A regular coffee drinker, he would normally look for places to buy fresh coffee beans. But now, he was inspired by his own cooking background. After all, there can be no fresher beans that the ones you roast yourself, he thought.

Coffee beans handpicked to ensure their premium quality and freshness...

Although an expert in Chinese cuisine, he was still a layman in coffee roasting. He thought hard about how to begin and bought a simple coffee roaster, trying out roasting methods using his gas stove at home. Many incidents occurred which left a terrible smell and mess in the kitchen. Undaunted, Hide continued his roasting trials in his garage using a portable burner stove. Determined to make the perfect cup for Kae, he finally succeeded with his culinary experience and ongoing persistence.

Determination and mastery at work...

Nevertheless, Kae still preferred tea. She disliked the bitter aftertaste of regular coffee, and refused to touch Hide's painstakingly-roasted beans. This made Hide start sharing some leftover roasts with his family and friends. They loved his fragrant roasts so much that they were willing to pay for more of them. Hide then made up his mind to leave his torturous job and make his living selling coffee. He found an old store in his own town, and opened his own coffee joint, selling his beloved roasts side by side with his wife. Seven years have since passed. At times, Kae was so seriously ill that Hide had to man the store alone. But he persevered. Eventually, his store became famous in the region with his aromatic coffee, served with homemade dishes and delicious desserts made with love by the couple.

The regular coffee served by Hide is no longer "regular" but a special brew roasted with love and served with warmth. Kae started to recover, and fell in love with the coffee made with her husband's full heart. It is this special coffee that changed the life of two ordinary people and their love.

And today, they are here to serve their special brew to Singaporeans at the Food Japan Asia, so that we can enjoy their fragrant brew from our sunny island of Singapore.

Roasts available:

Even when prepared from a makeshift booth at Food Japan 2018, Okada's brews were smooth with light fruity overtones and low acidity. The fragrant aroma entices one to take yet another sip to savour the silky smooth viscosity of the intense flavour.

Coffee taste guide:

Here's how to order:

www.okada-coffee.jp/cavia

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Food Japan 2018 - Focus On Food Quality Management

Back for the seventh consecutive year, Food Japan 2018 featured a dazzling mix of Japanese produce, ingredients, sake , and technology at the Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre Halls 401 and 402 last weekend. The convention opened exclusively to trade visitors on 25-26 October, with general admission for the public on 27 October.

  

"There is more to Japanese exports than end products like sushi and shabu shabu. Waiting to be discovered is a full suite of original equipment manufacturers (OEM) in food materials, processing technology, and kitchen instruments that currently do not receive much fanfare in Southeast Asia. Through this year’s programming, we hope to impart the rich heritage of Japanese culture and best practices in food quality management in an interactive and engaging fashion." 

--- Mr Masanao Nishida, Director of Food Japan ---

The three day long exhibition saw food quality management take center stage at Food Japan 2018. The superior quality of Japanese F&B products, which are subject to rigorous quality checks and produced using advanced food safety techniques received the spotlight.

• Nippon Suisan Kaisha, a subsidiary of NISSUI Group, utilizes a vertically-integrated operation to ensure the safety of its marine produce such as kurose buri (yellowtail) and pollock roe.
     
• Tsukuba Dairy Products adopts an integrated hygiene management program, along with hazard analysis and quality management certifications to reduce the risks of cross-contamination in the processing of its dairy and nut products.
     
• With more and more consumers turning to healthier alternatives, the event also showcased key exhibitors responding to this demand. Morinaga Nutritional Foods brought to the event an extensive range of dairy products which includes its vegetable oil free, full-dairy creamer Creap.
    
• Daiei Foods brought to the event various Halal-certified fishery food products – a nod to Japan’s growing interest in Muslim-majority countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. 21 Max New Solution showcased its latest line of productivity-boosting rice cookers – KUBOTA. These devices are designed to help restaurants cope with the challenges of a restricted labour force.

"Japan’s agriculture, forestry and fishery exports surpassed JPY435 billion in the first half of 2018, a significant increase over the same period last year – this suggests consumer trust towards Japanese food export is on the rise. To maintain this momentum, we want to highlight key trends such as food quality, functional food and halal products at Food Japan 2018 to further cement Japan’s leadership position in the food and beverage industry in Southeast Asia."

--- Mr Masanao Nishida, Director of Food Japan ---

   

Over 200 exhibitors attended Food Japan 2018, which hosted specialities from various Japanese prefectures. 35% were participating for the first time, bringing fresh seasonal produce, delectable ingredients, sake and cutting-edge Japanese technology to the region.

In a bid to support relief efforts for the Hokkaido earthquake, Food Japan will donate S$1 for every Hokkaido food item purchased at the exhibition’s J Food Court to the Japanese Red Cross Society’s (JRCS) Hokkaido Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund.

For more information on Food Japan 2018, visit www.oishii-world.com/en/ or instagram.com/foodjapansg.

  

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Cartoon Network Cruise Ship - Sailing From Singapore In Late 2018

From reel life to real life, luxury cruise operator Oceanic Group partners Turner
 for the definitive Cartoon Network experience -
 bringing iconic characters from The Powerpuff Girls to We Bare Bears to life on the high seas.

For the first time, some of the world’s most famous cartoon characters will set sail on their very own cruise liner. This fully-branded ship is the result of a partnership between Oceanic Group, Asia-Pacific's leading cruise management company, and Turner, the global media giant behind Cartoon Network.

The two charismatic business leaders - Daniel Chui, CE, Oceanic Group and Ricky Ow, President, Turner Asia Pacific, elaborate on their philosophies behind the novel partnership...

Set to make its maiden voyage from its home port of Singapore in late 2018, the 11 guest-deck, 2,000-guest Cartoon Network Wave will be one vast haven for Toon-loving travellers. This is the first time anywhere that a cruise liner has undergone a full Cartoon Network transformation. With the ocean as a backdrop, families will enjoy the world’s first immersive Toon vacation at sea, and an adventure with their favourite Cartoon Network stars.

And the partnership is launched!

The novel thematic onboard experience of Cartoon Network Wave is inspired by Cartoon Network’s universe of well-loved characters from iconic shows such as Adventure Time, Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls and We Bare Bears. This includes a variety of diverse entertainment, activity and recreation features, as well as retail and food and beverage options.

Cosy Cartoon Network-themed furnishings abound -

Triplex Lounge and Kids Room...

Enjoy the sea breeze at Toonix & the outdoor Rope Adventure Park...

Cartoon Network Wave will be docked at the Singapore Cruise Centre and will sail to 13 popular destinations in the Asia Pacific region including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia and Japan. Online bookings for Cartoon Network Wave will start later in the year. More details on the booking dates and itineraries will be released on the Cartoon Network Wave website.

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The Takasaki Daruma Doll

Daruma Dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck, making them a popular gift of encouragement. Daruma Dolls are hollow and weighted at the bottom so that they will always return to an upright position when tilted over. This characteristic has come to symbolize the ability to have success, overcome adversity and recover from the misfortune, according to the phrase “seven times down, eight times up”.

 

Prosperity Daruma Dolls at the entrance of the Japan Business Expo held recently in Singapore...

 

Daruma Dolls come in many different colours, each with its associated symbolism... 

  

The eyes of the Daruma Doll are often blank when sold.

 



 

If you want your dream to come true, you first need to fill in the left eye thinking about your wish. The pained eye will always be open and focused on the set goal. Once the goal is accomplished, the other eye is filled in, thus giving the Daruma Doll full sight.

 

  

The number of Daruma Dolls produced in Takasaki reached nearly one million in recent years, making it one of the centres of production for this traditional doll. For business opportunities in Takasaki, read Merlion Wayfarer's coverage of the Japan Business Expo - Takasaki Day in Singapore on 18 November 2016.
 



 

 

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Panoramic Arashiyama - Togetsukyō Bridge

Togetsukyō Bridge (渡月橋, Moon Crossing Bridge)

Arashiyama Hanatouro (嵐山花灯路)

Arashiyama, Kansai

Honshu, Japan

Winter, December 2013

A calm serene plane

reflects lights, projecting colors.

Gentle golds, blues, on a sheet of black,

daring someone to notice them.

A scene of beauty, majesty, wonder

unrivaled by any other.

A pattern of rusted metal, 

unattractive in the minds eye,

yet stunning to the beholder.

A peace of mind settles over

the eager visitor, impressed

by the display.

A bridge between worlds, 

so worldly and yet, 

not of this world at all. 

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Panoramic Kobe Luminaire

Kobe Luminarie (神戸ルミナリエ)

Kobe, Kansai

Honshu, Japan

Winter, December 2013

I see the flickering flame

And marvel at its brightness

Its warmth

Though its light

Is quite tiny

Somehow

The brightness

Illuminates the room

And manages 

To brighten

My heart—

For in this flame

Burns a steady promise

Of a love and friendship shared

Across miles and miles

On this earthly plane

 And when I feel the steady warmth

Flowing from my heart

And see the light shining 

Like a tiny beacon of hope—

I know that this little candle 

Is a symbol of love and warmth

And truth.

Thank you, dear friend.

In finding you,

I am finding me again.

"Candlelight" Poem by Pamela Rae

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