Author: Seasider

Yokohama Canvas Bag stresses the concept of working together with local companies to source raw materials and proudly produces a brand that is uniquely Yokohama. All of the company’s products are made from fabric, fasteners, and other items solely supplied by Yokohama-based companies. This is all driven by the philosophy of company founder Yukio Suzuki. Prior to opening his current company, Suzuki was a founding member of another company where he played a key role in the development of a variety of products. That one began with just a few employees, but they built it into a business 200 strong…

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Hamajiman, located along Isezaki-cho’s shopping strip, is a Western sweets shop founded more than a century ago. Hamajiman’s origins date back to 1913 when it launched as a Japanese sweets shop called Ichimura Confectionery. In those days, it was still rare to have a Japanese shop like this, and the owners thought to create sweets as omiyage (souvenirs) that would be the pride of Yokohama. They thus conceived of a treat filled with koshian (sweet bean paste) and chestnuts–the idea was to sell a Hamajiman saichu, or “Yokohama-pride bean jam cake”. Rave reviews piled up and, as the name suggests,…

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As part of 7artscafe’s eclectic menu of food, drink and year-long arts events, 7artscafe prides itself on supporting local artists and musicians with weekend concerts and revolving art exhibitions. Steps away from the banks of the beautiful sakura-lined Ooka river and the art enclave of Koganecho, 7artscafe is a prime gallery space for local and international visual artists. Currently through February 27, Yokohama visual artist “Rommy” Hiromi Morita’s artworks are displayed featuring over 15 paintings plus her collection of sketches.  Born in Okinawa in 1948, Rommy is the first child in a family of eight children – her mother a…

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Bruntons combines Yokohama history with carefully selected craft beer in a convivial and welcoming atmosphere. Since relocation from its previous perch in Motomachi across the canal to the edge of Chinatown, owners Kimiko Kawano and Scot Coey have created a distinctive interior within a renovated old house. The result should make newcomers and regulars alike feel right at home. The exterior, with bright primary colors, fits Chinatown aesthetics and makes it hard to miss. Scot and Kimi maintain a weekly rotation of their five taps (plus a real ale tap), exclusively Japanese craft beer from both near and far. They…

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Hey folks, it’s been a tough two years for most businesses… Many sponsors have unfortunately been unable to continue their ads. We’ve somehow managed to keep going through the support of advertisers you still see in these pages and by supplementing with revenue from other business activities we conduct. It’s just not enough and we could use some help. For over ten years, we’ve shared our content for free. If you’ve enjoyed our content and/or would like us to continue, please consider making a small donation (even a couple hundred yen). It will make a difference as we transition to…

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Horizon Japan International School (HJIS)  is virtually opening its doors on Thursday, February 10th, 14:00 – 16:00 (JST), and we would love it if you could join us. Starting at 14:00, we will be opening our doors virtually, and you will be given a chance to discover who we are and the enriching educational experience we provide and explore both our Primary and Secondary divisions at school. Come and connect with our Head of School, Principals, Coordinators, Students, and Alumni to gain an in-depth insight into HJIS, our programs, and our daily campus life. To secure your…

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Ingredients whitefish (catfish or cod) 100g okra 4 pods breadcrumbs (finely ground by food processor) 50g corn grits 50g egg (beaten) 1 flour to taste salt and pepper to taste lemon ⅙ wedge jalapeño pickle to taste Cajun spice chili powder 20g paprika powder 30g cumin powder 10g dried oregano 1g garlic powder 5g onion powder 20g black pepper 10g salt 10g Mix all Cajun spice ingredients. Separately, mix bread crumbs and corn grits. Season whitefish lightly with salt and pepper. Coat whitefish and okra with the batter in the following order: flour, egg, bread crumbs & corn grits.…

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Chinese food and craft beer–it’s not a combination you often encounter. But if it exists anywhere, we thought, we might find it in the Noge area–and find it we did. Cocoro no Tuki offers true-to-style Chinese dishes alongside a fine beer selection. The narrow, single-room bar is separated from the cooking area by a clear partition, allowing you to watch your food prepared. This is almost as enjoyable as eating it.  Proprietor Atsushi Tanaka spent nearly three decades as a chef at Chinese Restaurant PEKING in Tokyo’s Shiba Park Hotel so you can expect top-notch cuisine. For traditional fare, go…

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As Christmas approaches, many perhaps feel a greater sense of kindness. Spending time at Christmas Toys will deepen those feelings further. Teruhisa Kitahara, the owner of the store and a big fan of Christmas, opened Christmas Toys in September 1986. As the name suggests, it sells Christmas merchandise year round. The store is located in a Western-style building in Yamate and has been meticulously restored by hand, creating a relaxing atmosphere away from the chaos of everyday life. Manager Masako Kannonbayashi tells us, “The store seeks to evoke an orthodox ‘red and green’ Christmas.” The various goods lined up on…

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A long line of customers forms outside Monkey Magic Teahouse (Goku Chasou in Japanese) just before lunchtime. The establishment located near Kanteibyo Shrine in Yokohama’s Chinatown is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The first floor is a shop selling an extensive array of Chinese tea as well as teapots, cups, ornaments, and other interesting items. The second floor is an attractive teahouse. If you time it right, you can enjoy your tea while taking in live musical performances on traditional instruments. Explore the world of Chinese tea to your heart’s content using all of your five senses in an exotic space…

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