Monday, June 30, 2014

New Uniqlo Branch in Southern California & Uniqlo Clothing in Japan

      I was glad to hear that the new Uniqlo branch would open at South Coast Plaza this fall. It will be first location in Southern California!

     Uniqlo is a globally popular Japanese casual fashion retailer. They have over 1,200 branches all over the world. Their clothing is pretty well made and sells with reasonable prices. It's true that many Japanese celebrities wear Uniqlo clothing, such as some famous fashion models and actors. That's why they are also popular for people who are really interested in fashion.
     Moreover, their clothing is widely loved among all ages in Japan because their clothing is simply designed and pretty functional. Specifically, their Ultra Light Down Jackets have been incredibly very popular in Japan. When I went to Japan last winter, I often saw Japanese people who were wearing those at the airport in Japan. Ultra Light Down Jackets are very light weight and keep you warm more than you expect. In addition, you can easily carry it in its compact pouch.

Ultra Light Down Jacket


Ultra Light Down Jacket


    When my husband and I were living in Japan, we purchased their clothing many times. You can find Uniqlo branches everywhere in Japan! If truth be told, I have purchased some while traveling in abroad too, such as Shanghai and Paris.

    Even though they will open the new branch here in Southern California, I still recommend you to go to Uniqlo in Japan if you are planning on traveling there. It's because Uniqlo in Japan has wide selections of their clothing. Specifically, they have many interesting tees which are only released in Japan with pretty reasonable price. :)
     These are some of their tees which are collaboration between Uniqlo and some designers.



Uniqlo Line Tee for 943yen (for men)
Uniqlo World Omiyage Tee for 1429yen (for men)

Uniqlo World Omiyage Tee for 1429yen (for men)
Uniqlo Tomica Pla Rail Tee for 943yen (for boys)

Uniqlo Rilakkuma Tee for 943yen (for girls)


     Here is my entries related to Uniqlo.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Uniqlo

     My entries related to Japan can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Japan

Uniqlo Official Website (US)
http://www.uniqlo.com/us/collection/ut-uniqlo-t-shirts.html

Uniqlo Official Website (Japan)
http://www.uniqlo.com/jp/store/feature/uq/ut/women/

Sunday, June 29, 2014

The Best Heated Eyelash Curler - Panasonic eyelash curler Amyure EH2385

     When my friend visited the U.S. to see me from Japan, she gave me this electric eyelash curler, Amyure EH2385 by Panasonic. I was very excited about it because this was what I had exactly wanted for long time!

Panasonic eyelash curler Amyure EH2385
     These days, I have often used it and noticed that this heated eyelash curler works great and is perfect for my eyelashes. :) Frankly, I didn't use to like wearing mascara because it ended up smudging under my eyes after hours. If it happens, it's pretty embarrassing me. I'm Asian with straight downward eyelashes, so it's hard for me to keep my eyelashes curled all day long. However, when I use this heated eyelash curler, my eyelashes stay curled all the day! Now, I don't have problem with mascara smudging. :)
Panasonic eyelash curler Amyure EH2385
     I also really like the fact that it doesn't mess my eyeliner lines. I always put eyeliner on before using eyelash curler. After using eyelash curler, I used to always need to reapply eyeliner again. However, I don't have to do this now. The heated eyelash curler doesn't need to touch my eyelids at all, so I can use the curler without messing my eyeliner lines. :)
Panasonic eyelash curler Amyure EH2385
      If you have natural curled eyelashes, you don't probably need this. However, if you have straight downward eyelashes like me, I highly recommend this Panasonic eyelash curler for you. :)


     My entries related to Best Japanese Beauty Products can be seen here.

     These are also my entries you might like.
Top 3 Best Japanese Double Eyelid Glue/Tape Products 

Top 3 Affordable Japanese Eyeshadows

Top 3 High-Ends Japanese Eyeshadows

Top 3 Most Popular Japanese Eyelash Curlers

7 Best Japanese Beauty Products 2016 Hall of Fame  

Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Pore Minimizer  

Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Charcoal Soap 

The Most Popular Facial Sheet Masks in Japan

4 Reasons Why I Love Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil

Top 5 Life-Changing Japanese Beauty Products 

Top 5 Japanese Sunscreen Products

The Best Japanese Shampoo & Conditioner

5 Best Japanese Deep Conditioning Hair Masks

The Best Japanese Hair Dryer, Panasonic Nano Care Hair Dryer

Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Charcoal Soap

Popular Japanese Facial Cleansing Products - What I Want to Buy in Japan

5 Best Japanese Facial Lotion (Toner), Kesyou-sui

Top 3 Daiso Beauty Products



     My entries related to beauty can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/beauty

     My entries related to Japan can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Japan



Saturday, June 28, 2014

Korean Cold Noodle

     My Korean friend recommend me Korean cold noodle. She told me that it's very easy to cook, and everyone loves it. It sells at Korean supermarket with very affordable price. Tonight, my husband and I cooked Korean cold noodle for our first time, and we loved it! We have eaten many kinds of Japanese cold noodle especially during summer, but this Korean one had very unique texture of noodle, which was a little chewy. It was very interesting for us. As my friend's recommendation, we added sliced cucumber and boiled egg. They were perfect with this noodle.

     If truth be told, my friend recommended me specific cold noodle maker, which was Pulmuone. She told me they make the best Korean noodle and very popular. That's why I wrote down the manufacturer's name as she said at that time. However, when I went to Korean supermarket, I forgot to bring my memo. Nonetheless, my husband and I bought it anyway. It was not made by Pulmuone but turned out very good! I'll try Pulmuone's one next time. :)

     There were two servings of noodle, soup, and mustard in it. It was $2.99 at Korean supermarket.


     It was a great experience for us. :)


      This is my entries related to my favorite recipe.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes

      This is my entries related to cooking.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/cooking

Friday, June 27, 2014

Fireworks at Home in Japan

     Unlike Japan, consumer fireworks are illegal in the U.S., where I live. When I visited Japan in April, I purchased some fireworks at supermarket. On the day before leaving from Japan, I was able to do the fireworks at my parents' home. :)

Fireworks at Home in Japan


Chappy
      When I was little, I enjoyed fireworks with my sister and brothers under supervision of my grand parents almost everyday during summer vacations.
Fireworks at Home in Japan

Fireworks at Home in Japan
      Two set of fireworks were under 200yen. Don't you think these are so affordable? I bought them at local supermarket in Japan. I enjoyed them a lot.
Empty Packages of Fireworks

     I uploaded my Youtube video which I recorded two months ago.


     My entries related to Japan can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Japan

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Raw Horse Meat, Basashi, in Japan

     When my husband and I visit Japan, my mother-in-law always buys fresh raw horse meat, which is basashi (馬刺) in Japanese, for us. We really like eating it with soy sauce and fresh grated ginger or garlic. It's so good! :)

     Unlike Japan, I think eating horse meat is not acceptable for some other countries, and I think that some of you can't imagine especially raw meat. Yes, Japanese people have been eating raw horse meat. However, this food culture doesn't exist all over Japan. For instance when I was living in Osaka, I have never seen raw horse meat shops there. Well, probably they sell one in Osaka too, but it's not easy to find one because of less popularity. In contrast, some specific areas are famous for providing raw horse meat such as Kumamoto, Aomori and Fukushima. Because my hometown is Fukuoka, where is close to Kumamoto, there are some famous raw horse meat shop there. When I visited Japan two month ago, my mother-in-law took me to the famous horse butcher shop in my hometown. She said this shop was very popular and had been often on TVs.


Horse Butcher Shop
      Horse meat are more expensive than beef or pork. People there don't eat horse meat as often as beef, pork, and chicken.
Horse Butcher Shop


Horse Butcher Shop
      According to Wikipedia, majority of horse meat in Japan is imported from other countries such as Australia, Canada, and U.S. I have never seen horse meat here in U.S. though.

     I found this video, on which French girls tried eating raw horse meat for their first time.


     My entries related to Japan can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Japan


     This is also my entry you might like.
Top 10 Products You Should Buy at Japanese Supermarkets (for Beginners!)

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

My Top 10 Favorite Japanese Snacks

      As I mentioned in my previous entry, I have tried so many Japanese sweets and snacks. I love those so much, and I used to eat those when I was living in Japan. I have so many my favorite Japanese snacks, but I ranked Japanese snacks in order of my favorite. These are the best of the best. I'm going to share my top 10 favorite Japanese snacks with you. As I mentioned my top 10 sweets entry,  I usually buy these at supermarkets or discount stores in Japan, so keep in mind that the prices are cheaper than the retail ones.


No.1   Jagarico (じゃがりこ) by Calbee
97yen each / crunchy potato sticks


Jagarico (じゃがりこ) by Calbee




No.2   Umai Bou (うまい棒) by Yaokin (やおきん)
9yen each / snacks (They have so many different flavors!)


Umai Bou (うまい棒) by Yaokin (やおきん)




No.3   Marudaizu Senbei (丸大豆せんべい) by Sanko Seika (三幸製菓)
149yen / rice crackers with black soy beans
Marudaizu Senbei (丸大豆せんべい) by Sanko Seika (三幸製菓)



No.4   Baby Star Crispy Noodle Snack (ベビースター・ドデカイ・ラーメン) by Oyatsu Company (おやつカンパニー)
100yen / ramen noodle snacks
Baby Star Crispy Noodle Snack (ベビースター・ドデカイ・ラーメン) by Oyatsu Company (おやつカンパニー)



No.5   Natsukashi Curry Sen (懐かしカレーせん) by Kameda Seika (亀田製菓)
129yen / rice crackers with curry flavor
Natsukashi Curry Sen (懐かしカレーせん) by Kameda Seika (亀田製菓)



No.6   Onigiri Senbei (おにぎりせんべい) by Masuya (マスヤ)
89yen / rice crackers with soy sauce flavor
Onigiri Senbei (おにぎりせんべい) by Masuya (マスヤ)



No.7   Caramel Corn (キャラメルコーン) by Tohato (東ハト)
79yen / sweet caramel flavored snacks
Caramel Corn (キャラメルコーン) by Tohato (東ハト)



No.8   Happy Turn (ハッピーターン) by Kameda Seika (亀田製菓)
145yen / sweet and salty flavored rice crackers
Happy Turn (ハッピーターン) by Kameda Seika (亀田製菓)



No.9   Harvest (ハーベスト) by Tohato (東ハト)
89yen / very thin cookies
Harvest (ハーベスト) by Tohato (東ハト)



No.10   Suppa Mucyo (すっぱムーチョ) by Koikeya (コイケヤ)
69yen / chips with sour vinegar flavor
Suppa Mucyo (すっぱムーチョ) by Koikeya (コイケヤ)


     By the way, these are my husband's top 10 Japanese snacks.
No.1   Umai Bou (うまい棒) by Yaokin (やおきん)
No.2   Natsukashi Curry Sen (懐かしカレーせん) by Kameda Seika (亀田製菓)
No.3   Suppa Mucyo (すっぱムーチョ) by Koikeya (コイケヤ)
No.4   Cabbage Taro (キャベツ太郎) by Yaokin (やおきん)
No.5   Happy Turn (ハッピーターン) by Kameda Seika (亀田製菓)
No.6   Jagarico (じゃがりこ) by Calbee
No.7   Onigiri Senbei (おにぎりせんべい) by Masuya (マスヤ)
No.8   Caramel Corn (キャラメルコーン) by Tohato (東ハト)
No.9   Harvest (ハーベスト) by Tohato (東ハト)
No.10 Baby Star Crispy Noodle Snack (ベビースター・ドデカイ・ラーメン) by Oyatsu Company (おやつカンパニー)


     I uploaded this video to my YouTube channel. :)



My Top 10 Favorite Japanese Sweets entries can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/2014/06/my-top-10-favorite-japanese-sweets.html

My previous entries related to Japanese sweets and snacks can be seen here.
 http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Japanese%20sweets%20and%20snacks


      These are my entries you might like.

8 Interesting Japanese Kitchen Gadgets!





■My Top 10 Favorite Japanese Sweets

■The Best Japanese Shampoo & Conditioner

■Top 5 Japanese Sunscreen Products




Tuesday, June 24, 2014

My Top 10 Favorite Japanese Sweets

     Because I was born and grew up in Japan, I have tried so many Japanese sweets and snacks since I was very little. When I visit Japan, I always buy so many sweets and snacks which I was familiar with. In addition, I sometimes try new sweets which Japanese people leave so many positive reviews on. I'd like to share my top 10 favorite Japanese sweets with you. I usually buy these at supermarkets or discount stores in Japan, so keep in mind that the prices are cheaper than the retail ones.


No.1
Roll Chan (ロールちゃん) by Yamazaki(ヤマザキ)
150 yen / Swiss roll with chocolate cream


Roll Chan (ロールちゃん) by Yamazaki(ヤマザキ)


No.2
Tirol Choco (チロルチョコ) by Tirol Choco Company (チロルチョコ株式会社)
100 yen for 9 pieces / 9 kinds of chocolate


Tirol Choco (チロルチョコ) by Tirol Choco Company (チロルチョコ株式会社)


No.3
Alfort (アルフォート) by Bourbon (ブルボン)
135 yen / Chocolate Covered Biscuits

Alfort (アルフォート) by Bourbon (ブルボン)


No.4
Ghana Milk Chocolate (ガーナミルクチョコレート)by Lotte (ロッテ)
69 yen / chocolate

Ghana Milk Chocolate (ガーナミルクチョコレート)by Lotte (ロッテ)


No.5
Goen-ga-aruyo (ごえんがあるよ) by Tirol Choco Company (チロルチョコ株式会社)
5 yen each / chocolate

Goen-ga-aruyo (ごえんがあるよ) by Tirol Choco Company (チロルチョコ株式会社)


No.6
Nama Milky (生ミルキー) by Fujiya (不二家)
138 yen / chewy candies with condensed milk flavor (This is the softest Milky candy.)

Nama Milky (生ミルキー) by Fujiya (不二家)


No.7
Ichigo Milk (いちごみるく) by Sakuma (サクマ)
138 yen / crunchy hard candies with strawberry condensed milk flavor

Ichigo Milk (いちごみるく) by Sakuma (サクマ)


No.8
Tokunou Milk 8.2(特濃ミルク8.2)  by UHA Mikakutou (UHA味覚糖)
139 yen / chewy candies with condensed milk flavor

Tokunou Milk 8.2(特濃ミルク8.2)  by UHA Mikakutou (UHA味覚糖)


No.9
Milky (ミルキー) by Fujiya (不二家)
138 yen / chewy candies with condensed milk flavor

Milky (ミルキー) by Fujiya (不二家)



No.10
Milky Kiwami Matcha (ミルキー極み抹茶) by Fujiya (不二家)
139 yen / chewy candies with matcha flavor

Milky Kiwami Matcha (ミルキー極み抹茶) by Fujiya (不二家)



     By the way, here is my husband's top 10 favorite Japanese sweets.
No.1   Alfort (アルフォート) by Bourbon (ブルボン)
No.2   Ghana Milk Chocolate (ガーナミルクチョコレート)by Lotte (ロッテ)
No.3   KitKat Maccha (抹茶) by Nestle
No.4   Nama Milky (生ミルキー) by Fujiya (不二家)
No.5   Ichigo Milk (いちごみるく) by Sakuma (サクマ)
No.6   Crunky Chocolate by Lotte (ロッテ)
No.7   Meiji Almond Chcolate by Meiji
No.8   Tirol Choco (チロルチョコ) by Tirol Choco Company (チロルチョコ株式会社)
No.9   Goen-ga-aruyo (ごえんがあるよ) by Tirol Choco Company (チロルチョコ株式会社)
No.10 Milky Kiwami Matcha (ミルキー極み抹茶) by Fujiya (不二家)

     I uploaded my Youtube video which is about my top 10 favorite Japanese sweets.




    I'll write about my top 10 favorite Japanese snacks next time. :)


This is my entries related Japanese Sweets and Snacks.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Japanese%20sweets%20and%20snacks


      These are my entries you might like.

8 Interesting Japanese Kitchen Gadgets!





■My Top 10 Favorite Japanese Sweets

■The Best Japanese Shampoo & Conditioner

■Top 5 Japanese Sunscreen Products




Monday, June 23, 2014

What I Got at Supermarket in Japan - Haul

      In addition to some Japanese instant noodle, I bought some products at supermarket in Japan two months ago, such as Japanese condiments. I'm going to share what I got there with you.

The products I bought at supermarket in Japan.

       My husband really likes sweet bean paste, which is azuki or anko in Japanese. He sometimes makes homemade ohagi, which is made of sweet bean paste and sweet rice. That's why he asked me to buy these. These are Yudeazuki by Imuraya, which is a Japanese confectionery company selling sweet bean products. These were 128yen each.
Yudeazuki by Imuraya
      Because I also bought a lot of mochi at Costco in Japan, he has already eaten all four pouch of sweet bean with mochi! I can't believe that all of them were gone too soon. He definitely has a sweet tooth!
Yudeazuki by Imuraya
      I bought this flour for okonomiyaki, which is a Japanese savoury pancake containing cabbage, meat and so on. Using things like this flour for okonomiyaki, you can make perfect one. This was 149yen for 600g.

Okonomiyakiko by Trial 

      We also like yakisoba, which is a Japanese noodle but is originated in China. I bought this sauce, Yakisobaya by Ikari, for 189yen for 500g.

Yakisobaya by Ikari
      I bought dried shrimps for 99yen. I will use this when making okonomiyaki, yakisoba, or some other Japanese foods.

Dried Shrimps



      We often eat miso soup, which is traditional Japanese soup. I bought two packages of instant miso soup. You can easily make miso soup with these. You just need to add hot water. These are Asage by Nagatanien. They also make more of instant miso soup, such as Hiruge and Yuge, but I like Asage the best. Hiruge is made of red miso, and Yuge is made of white miso. Asage is made of mixed miso, mixture of red and white miso. I bought these for 198 yen each package. One package contains 10 servings of instant miso soup.

Asage by Nagatanien
      These are curry roux, Torokeru Curry by S&B. These are used for making Japanese curry. These were 99 yen each. I think everyone love Japanese curry. If you have never eaten Japanese curry, you really should try it. Even if you don't like traditional Japanese food, I think you will like it.

Torokeru Curry by S&B

     I bought some sauce for Japanese grilled meat and vegetable, which is yakiniku in Japanese. I bought Ogon no Aji by Ebara for 279yen. When I was little, I used to eat yakiniku with my whole family together.

Ogon no Aji by Ebara

      When I was little, my grandmother often bought this sauce, Yakiniku Tare by Nippon Ham, with fresh meat at local butcher shop. It was $169 yen.
Yakiniku Tare by Nippon Ham

     I bought Aji Shio Cosho, is combination of salt, black pepper, extract and so on. It is very convenient to season foods, such as hamburger steaks and fried rice.
Aji Shio Cosho by Daisho

      Most of Japanese products are available in the U.S. now, but these are much more expensive here. When I go to Japan, I enjoy purchasing Japanese products which I used to buy when I was living there.

My previous entries related to Japanese supermarket haul can be seen here.

What I Got at a Supermarket in Japan - Haul (10/22/2013)

Japanese Cup Noodle - Haul (5/14/2014)

Japanese Instant Noodle - Haul (6/18/2014)

Haul - Japanese Sweets and Snacks Part 1 (5/3/2014)

Haul - Japanese Sweets and Snacks Part 2  (5/7/2014)

Haul - Japanese Sweets and Snacks (10/15/2013)

Haul - Japanese sweets and snacks  (1/24/2013)

Must Buy Japanese Roll Cake - Roll Chan (6/14/2014)

Otokomae Tofu Review (5/13/2014)


My Japan entries can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Japan


     These are also my entries you might like.
Top 10 Products You Should Buy at Japanese Supermarkets (for Beginners!)

Top 10 Most Popular Japanese Foods