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I was randomly Googling trivia facts about Japan, and one interesting one came up: "Up to the 1970s, there was no salmon sushi. Norwegians introduced salmon to the sushi makers in Japan in the 1980s." That's, interesting. After all, I rather suspect that when most people think of sushi or sashimi, salmon would be the first fish that comes to mind. Heck, even Apple's emoji suggestion for sushi on my Macbook Pro Touch Bar (🍣) features a salmon nigiri alongside a tuna one. Salmon has become quite synonymous with sushi/sashimi, and yet it wasn't always this way. I went to Google a little more, and the story behind it is rather fascinating (here's a quick and totally non-exhaustive summary). To be clear, it's not that salmon did not exist in Japan before the 80s. It just wasn't prepared raw. This is due to the parasites found in fished salmon, and the lack of widespread refrigeration to kill those parasites meant that salmon was only served cooked. Additionally, the presence of these parasites also meant that salmon had a reputation (in Japan) of being a 'cheap' fish. "Often used to fill out cheap meals, salmon was the poor man’s fish in Japan." (This article is a worthwhile read.) It's fascinating that it was Norway, of all places, who decided to change that. And explicitly so - the government created 'Project Japan', with the specific intent of exporting farmed salmon to Japan. Norway's burgeoning (and overflowing) fisheries meant that it needed to find a big export market, and Japan was identified as a suitable candidate. The 10-year-long marketing and promotion effort by the Norwegian government helped changed Japanese public perception about salmon, and has directly contributed to the popularity of salmon nowadays as a sushi/sashimi option. Which brings us to the topic of gastrodiplomacy. This particular case of salmon sashimi appears more economically driven, but we can certainly extrapolate outwards and look at other instances of how food is used a a tool for cultural export. Korean food is one that immediately springs to mind. I was at Amoy Street for lunch a week ago, and was reminded of just how many Korean restaurants seem to have popped up in recent times. Amoy Street/Telok Ayer Street and Tanjong Pagar Road are two places where it feels like Korean restaurants make up the majority of eateries, and this is probably true in other parts of Singapore as well. Did Singaporeans suddenly develop a heavy appetite for Korean cuisine? Or does it seem like this Korean cuisine explosion happened in parallel with a notable increase uptick in broader Korean cultural interest, such as music and TV shows? (The answer is yes.) It's no coincidence, and neither is this unique to Singapore. A 2022 New York Times story highlighted that Korean restaurants worldwide increased 262% (!!!) from 2009 to 2017, and it was a result of explicit efforts by the Korean government. In 2010, the Korean Food Promotion Institution was established with the purpose of improving the overall well-being of Korean people and the country's economic status through globalising Korean cuisine. And I think we can all agree that it has been rather successful, as part of the greater effort to export Korean culture (just look at how big K-Pop and K-dramas have become). Other countries also engage in this. For example, Thailand provided state-backed loans to local chefs to open restaurants outside the country. Gastrodiplomacy can be a powerful tool in building a nation's global reputation, and it's all part of the broader attempt to build soft power. Singapore almost certainly does it, too! One wonders how much of the attention on our hawker food (and the accompanying Michelin stars and guides and what not) is part of a broader effort to expand Singapore's visibility and cultural identity. Thinking about it now, I also wonder if there's a particular reason it feels like there is now a Mala stall in what seems like every single coffee shop nowadays. Soft power is not a remotely new concept (and is a much broader and deeper topic that I don't have the intellectual bandwidth to explore right now). But it is quantifiable, to a certain extent. The Anholt-Ipsos Nation Brands Index is a study that measures perceptions of nations around the world, and effectively measures and charts a country's popularity. There are plenty of different factors that go into it, but 'food' is one specific attribute that was added in 2023. (You can view the full report here.) In 2023, Singapore ranked 26, two places behind South Korea. Number one? Japan. One wonders how much they have to thank Norway for that. ~ Desmond Photos from Unplash

Lexus UX crossover revealed with aggressive design and new infotainmenthttps://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motor-shows-geneva-motor-show/lexus-ux-crossover-revealed-aggressive-design-and-new Lexus has claimed that its upcoming UX crossover, which has just been revealed with new images, will be as agile as a hatchback thanks to an all-new platform with a low centre of gravity. Images of the car's exterior and interior have been released ahead of its public debut at the Geneva motor show, showing that it will also be one of the brand's most aggressive-looking models. Inside, there's a new widescreen infotainment system that appears related to the one used in the Lexus LS. The small SUV, which brings the fight to the Jaguar E-Pace andMercedes-Benz GLA, stems from the UX concept, which was revealed at the Paris motor show in 2016. The UX will be powered by a mix of internal combustion engine and traditional hybrid powertrains, as proven by Lexus’s trademarking of UX200, UX250 and UX250h monikers following the concept’s reveal. This suggests the car will share engines with lower-end NX SUV models and the ageing CT hatchback. It is thought that the UX will eventually replace the CT. Features of the production car will be toned down from those of the concept; the large, intricate wheels and door cameras in place of mirrors are the first to go. Rivals range in length from 4400mm to 4450mm, so it’s likely that the UX will sit somewhere in the middle. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but its closest competitors are priced £29,000-£35,000. The NX occupies the lower end of the segment’s price range, so it’s likely that the UX will do the same, with a price tag of less than £30,000 expected. The Lexus RX L, a seven-seat version of its large SUV featuring three rows of seats, will make its European debut at the show, alongisde the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, first revealed at the Detroit motor show in early January.

This shall be my retirement ride, if the COE continues to remain at the current level. Anything higher, will go BMW liao. Five-Door Suzuki Jimny Spied Flaunting Its Longer Wheelbase The Suzuki Jimny is about to grow a bit bigger and gain an extra pair of doors to make the little SUV a bit more utilitarian. These spy shots catch one of them testing in Europe. Aesthetically, the five-door Jimny looks identical to the existing version, except for the lengthened body and extra doors. The spy photographer estimates that the wheelbase is about 300 millimeters longer than the existing 3 door variant. The width and height appear to be unchanged. Another interesting note from the photographer was that this vehicle seemed to be driving without producing any engine noise. This suggests that the Jimny might be getting a hybrid drive train. It's not clear whether the existing 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine making 100 horsepower (75 kilowatts) would continue to be available or whether this potentially electrically assisted setup would completely replace it. Switching to the turbocharged, mild-hybrid engine would give the Jimny improved emissions. This might rectify the current issue that limits the model's availability to a two-seat, commercial product in Europe. According to a rumor from Japan in 2021, Suzuki plans to call this model the Jimny Long, which fits with exactly what it is. The same report claims this version uses a turbocharged, mild-hybrid engine, which fits with what the photographer of this one is saying. For JDM models, price for the five-door would be about 300,000 yen more than the three-door unit. This Jimny Long, or whatever it final name is, is expected to be unveiled by end of this year, and become officially available from 2023. Stay tuned for more info.

Yes, the Fairlady Z is making a come back, after 12 years... Err @Jamesc are you one of the board of directors? You just mentioned the new Z days ago! One of the Nissan model I am eagerly anticipating (although sport car is not really my cup of tea), and hopefully it stick to the original sleek design in its early days. From the video, am I the only one to see hint of the 1st gen Fairlady Z?

New band to intro. Japananese all girls metal band http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDqaTXqCN-Q http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IzR_ClTE8Y the rest all search yourself. haha

Any Nissan Serena owners here? Can't find any reviews locally and don't think I've seen any on our roads though I think a few of this has already been delivered to their new owners. There's 2 versions. The Comfort version is more affordable with manual sliding doors and original fabric seats. The Highway Star version comes with body kit, power sliding doors and locally fitted leather seats. Interesting flexible seat configurations between 7-8 seaters. So far no other locally available MPV has it according to my knowledge. However, the center seat in the second row may not be comfortable. This is the Highway Star version

To be launched officially tomorrow.

A long overdue model in Subaru lineup. Still as good as before? Subaru of America introduced the all-new 2022 WRX with the most advanced features, design, and performance in its nearly 20-year history. The fifth-generation rally icon is powered by a new 271 hp 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru BOXER® engine that is paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or new automatic transmission. With available high-definition tablet-style 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK® Multimedia system and latest generation EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, the 2022 WRX delivers greater performance, technology, and safety than ever before. Also new for 2022, the Subaru WRX adds a new top-of-the-line GT trim with a new automatic transmission, the Subaru Performance Transmission, as standard. The new WRX GT offers a first-ever for WRX, new electronically controlled dampers that can tailor the dynamic performance to the driver's preferences with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. The Drive Mode Select also offers additional options to configure steering feel, damper settings, SI-Drive settings, and more, with up to 430 different customization options. For the first time, the WRX is built on the Subaru Global Platform, which offers increased safety, improved dynamics, and reductions in noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). The 2022 WRX will be available at Subaru retailers in early 2022. But before fan boy rejoice, as usual, the press photos will typically shown the top spec trim. For entry level WRX, you will get this screen instead... You have been warned.

At every car show or new model introduction, auto manufacturers would always come out with a long list, stating the unique features of their cars, but many a times, these features might just be forgotten over time, or simply taken for granted. These features may be a real technology break through (e.g. engine, gearbox, safety, etc.), or mechanical / electrical (e.g. spoiler, door opening mechanism, head / tail light, etc.). To kick start, anyone still can recall the following terminology? - Twin Door - Bi-Modal Trunk - Waku Waku Gate Sounds familiar? or are they aliens to you? or you think you know something about it? Well these are fanciful names given to boot / trunk / tailgate that open in more than 1 way. Twin Door by Skoda When the 2nd generation Skoda Superb was unveiled in 2008, the car come with many wow factors. But the one that really standout, at least to me, is the dual opening boot lid. It feel just like a small magic show, to see the 4 door sedan opening up it boot in 2 fashion, one like a typical sedan, and the other like a sport back. And after owning one for close to 4.5 years, I can attest to the usefulness of this feature, that ever allowed me to fit in up to 4x 24 - 28" language at one go, and even transporting a 3ft fish tank with the rear seats in-place (not folded). Bi-Modal Trunk by BMW Shortly after the Skoda Superb go on sales in early 2009, BMW follow suit with it own version of dual opening mechanism on the 5 series Gran Turismo Concept (which later debut as the love or hate it 5 GT), and give it the name Bi-Modal Trunk, which sound a little more sophisticated than the Czech brand. While it offer the same flexibility of a hatch back when opened in full (sport back mode), it offer much less practicality when opened in sedan mode, due to it limited access to the boot via the tiny yet wide opening boot lid. Waku Waku Gate by Honda The dual opening mechanism seems very much forgotten till 2015, when Honda introduce it on the new JDM Stepwagon, and somewhat take this concept to the next level, by allowing the tailgate to be used by passenger to access into the last row of the MPV! All are welcome to post the unique features of your car(s), or what you have came across. Up next, what are so special about these MPVs, Nissan Prairie, Toyota Raum and Toyota Isis?

Just launched. Looks like Honda has really lost their way in the design. This looks like a Sonata or Elantra.

Starting a thread for the lobangs from our favourite Japanese supermarket, Don Don Donki 😁😁 Share with me your donki finds!! Food, snacks, appliances, beauty products, useless but cool things, gadgets that will change my life... anything!!

2022 Mazda CX-5 Revealed With Updated Design, Standard All-Wheel Drive There are more changes than meets the eye as the 2022 CX-5 benefits from a more responsive six-speed automatic transmission delivering smoother acceleration. Not only that, but the compact SUV now features a different suspension to better iron out vibrations and diminish road noise courtesy of a new dampening control structure and higher frame rigidity. Another important update is all-wheel drive being made standard across the range. As a matter of fact, Mazda is offering AWD as standard equipment on all CX models going forward. From the subcompact CX-30 to the midsize CX-9, every single SUV sold by the company will have an all-paw system even in the entry-level trim.

'Unattractive' Japanese man reveals secret to dating beautiful women A 41-year-old middle-aged man recently became an internet sensation for his below-average looks but impressive way of dating pretty women on dating apps. According to the Japanese man, nicknamed Hiraten, he can go out with up to 300 girls a year even without looking attractive. Hiraten revealed on his website that he first realised he wasn’t handsome in junior high. Soon after, he dated a girl in high school who eventually cheated on him with a more handsome guy, traumatising him forever. This has led him to become shy and distrusting of women. He gradually lacked confidence in himself too. According to various reports, he eventually decided on a change of attitude on his 30th birthday after his health took a bad turn. He downloaded 10 dating apps on his phone and started going out with six to eight girls on the weekends. As he was able to date nearly 300 girls in one year, with some being 20-year-old beauties, many wondered what his trick was given his less-than-extraordinary looks. Hiraten revealed that to attract women’s attention on dating apps, one must first have a full-sized photo, where your physique is visible. The photo also needs to look natural and entertaining. Next, Hiraten suggested downloading apps that won’t put a cap on the number of likes you get. In this way, if you log in to the app more frequently, there’s a higher chance of getting noticed. Last but not least, Hiraten said you should always look out for girls who don’t have profile pictures on them. If she receives a “like” with no picture, she’ll be intrigued and will be more likely to respond to you. Hiraten now has a YouTube channel where he teaches fans his tricks and ways in the dating world.

While working on the Japanese song list, I realised that Japanese pop scene actually make up of many talented bands and singers. On the other hand, the Korean is pretty strong in producing dancing queens and dance floor princes. I'm showing you a few nice pieces as teaser, for more can refer to my Blogspot. The Gift by Zone http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDMTZ8bO7Jg...feature=related Life Is A Boat by Rie Fu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik8J9L5rJnc...&playnext=2 Blue Gull by D=Out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVQAYSAn6ds Let it Go by Yuna Ito http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY2GcIMD3T0...feature=related Sudden Sentimental by Scandal http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AXWPrkhxvA...feature=related Any Jpop fans here? Regards,

In your opinion, which car (below 120k) offers the most comfortable riding experience? Taking into consideration bumpiness, ride stability and noise insulation...

Creative Japanese father prints life-sized cardboard cutouts of wife so son won’t cry in her absence source: https://mothership.sg/2019/12/japan-father-print-cardboard-cutout/ Sometimes, parenthood presents its own unique obstacles, which may require some ingenuity to overcome. One father in Japan certainly rose to the challenge. Fooling son with realistic cutout In a tweet, which has since amassed over 47,000 retweets and around 123,000 likes, one @sato_nezi showed how he solved his son’s separation anxiety while his wife was away. Sato shared that his one-year-old child would start to cry uncontrollably whenever he lost sight of his mother. Which led to some rather resourceful parenting methods. Sato decided to print a life-sized cardboard cutout of his wife, perhaps to trick his son into thinking his mother was still around. For added realism, the cutout was even printed in two different poses, one of the mother standing, and another of her kneeling down. Here are photos of the innocuous cutout, placed in appropriate parts of the house. And it seems the method worked. Look how happy he is. Another video posted on Twitter The video shows Sato added that his son was fooled for about 20 minutes, and said the cutout “could be a lifesaver”.

A woman and her son were found dead near Bukit Timah Nature Reserve on Thursday (Nov 14) morning. According to Lianhe Zaobao, the body of the 41-year-old Japanese woman was found near a car, while the body of her five-year-old child was found inside the vehicle. Paramedics pronounced both individuals dead at the scene. The incident took place along Lorong Sesuai, which is believed to be a restricted area. The police have classified the case as unnatural death and mentioned that investigations are ongoing. https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/woman-and-5-year-old-son-found-dead-near-bukit-timah-nature-reserve wonder what happened...nowadays a lot of suspicious deaths

A whole new Japanese food street replacing the old Japanese food street at Jurong Point Basement 1, the link between JP1 and JP2. Its like a Japanese food coffee shop, buy food, eat and go. Price is close to a normal Japanese mass market restaurant, but GST included and no service charge. The whole place is almost cashless. You can just get a seat, scan the QR quote on the table, run through menus, place order, make cashless payment, get Q number, wait for Q to appear on the E-board, Collect eat and go. If you prefer to pay cash or Q for your order, there is a kiosk at every stall, select your order, pay cashless or go to the drink stall to make your cash payment at the cash counter, and wait for your food. However, for drinks, the stall only accept cash and nets (if I see correctly, no CC payment at the drink stall, or i might be wrong because some new handheld takes both Nets and CC payment). 1 issue tho, if you are ordering food from different stalls, you will have to repeat the process and get a few Q numbers. Here is the website link for those who are interested. http://njoydininghall.com.sg/about-us/ I dont usually take photos of my food when I dine out, so no photos of food, but here are some photos of the place and the stalls. If you like Japanese cakes and Ice cream, head over to chateraise at the start of the row (where the &JOY signboard is) , but you may need to exercise self control. I had to quickly rush out before I start to pick non stop, if not I think I toh of sugar overload..

May 2008 black Toyota Vios left 3 months $8123 is a good buy for renew COE? Current to renew 10yrs $39k. Car condition is good. Each year depre $4780 for 10yrs.

Good news for fans of Mazda. The Japanese company has announced that it is working a new family of straight-six Skyactiv-X engines for its premium models. Mazda made the announcement during an investor conference and said that the engines will come in both petrol and diesel variants. This comes as a surprise as this is Mazda's first foray into having a straight-six engine in its line up. The new engines will make use of the brand’s Spark Controlled Compression Ignition technology that will be seen in the new Mazda 3 and also be compatible with mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies. The company didn’t provide a timeline for the powertrains just yet, nor did it discuss what kind of models will use it. Moving forward, it is safe to assume that this move will see Mazda try to move up into the premium market with larger models running both rear and all-wheel drive drivetrains.

Japanese defense officials are searching for a fighter jet off the coast of Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. They lost contact while it was on a training mission. Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya said, "At around 19:27 Tuesday, an F-35A from the Air Self-Defense Force Misawa air base lost radar contact 135 kilometers east of the coast during training." Iwaya said the one pilot on board is missing. Officials say the jet was flying with three other planes of the same model, and there were no reports of problems before contact was lost. The Self-Defense Forces and the Coast Guard have dispatched patrol aircraft and ships to search for the jet. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190409_46/

Hi all, I think the Asian music is never complete without the K-pop and J-pop, some of the modern one here: Ring Ding Dong - SHINee Love Like This - SS501 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsCcGqGVN0U Sorry Sorry - Super Junior Ayo - G-Dragon Feel free to add more . Thank you very much.

Airline Boss Takes 20% Pay Cut in Penance for Drunk JAL Pilot A drunk pilot has just cost the president of Japan Airlines 20 percent of his salary for a few months. Taking responsibility for the errant cockpit crew member, the top executive at the carrier, Yuji Akasaka, will take home less pay December through February, while Toshinori Shin, a senior managing executive officer, will have his reduced by 10 percent. Both of them had already voluntarily given up a part of their salaries for November. The pilot, who showed up for duty to fly the London-Tokyo route on Oct. 28, was found to have consumed excessive alcohol, following which he was handed a 10-month sentence in the U.K. Japan Airlines Co. apologized for the embarrassing incident and announced corrective measures, including better awareness and training for all its employees. It isn’t unusual for top Japanese executives to take pay cuts in an act of contrition. After revealing improper vehicle inspection practices at their local factories last year, the chief executive officers of Nissan Motor Co. and Subaru Corp. announced a similar move.