Live from Japan!

I’ve traveled to Japan many times and each time I leave that country, I immediately look forward to when I can return again. I find so much inspiration there from the people and ancient culture to the food, art, and architecture. So, I’m off again to explore potential business opportunities and to absorb as much as I possibly can. I hope you enjoy my reports from the journey.

Kevin Sharkey and I just arrived safely in Japan after flying for many hours in the comfort of an American Airlines jumbo jet from Kennedy to Narita.  We flew first class having used collected miles from many past trips and years of credit card spending (go to Flyercards.com if you want to get a frequent flyer credit card) These seats were hefty at 250,000 miles...each!

The seats were self-contained pods, which fully reclined.  However, they were very hard and very uncomfortable, kind of like sitting on a rock.  Since reclining was better than sitting, I spent most of the trip lying down, getting up often to walk and stretch, which is important to avoid blot clots and achiness.  I was so glad that I brought delicious short rib sandwiches along, made with Pierre's short ribs, horseradish, garden lettuce, and Dijon mustard on wonderful Baltahazar pain de seigle.  The movie machines, which used small format tapes were not working well and the selection was abysmal - Hot Rod, Gracie, etc.  So we read every newspaper, cover to cover, drank loads of hot lemon water, and looked at every magazine in Kevin’s store of the best and latest.  I was so pleased to see so many beautiful Macy's ads for all the Martha Stewart collections in these recent publications. 

We were met at Narita by my dear friend and colleague, Momoko Sano, who has been with me every time I visit Japan.  She and her husband are from Tokyo and Momoko has worked for MSLO for nine years but consulted for years before that for my book tours and speaking engagements.  We had a two-hour wait for our plane to Osaka so we talked, ate some cold soba noodles and finally boarded the commuter plane.  An hour flight to Osaka and here we are waiting for our baggage.  We have a car to take us on the final leg of this 24-hour journey to Kyoto.

Kevin in his pod on American Airlines.  We used 500,000 miles to get 2 round trip first class seats.

Here I am sans makeup.  I used a rich hydrant from Yonka as a masque for the entire trip.  It moisturizes and revitalizes one's skin and it keeps skin glowing.  I rinsed it off with cold bottled water minutes before arrival and then, with Yonka serum and a quick application of makeup, I looked much better than I felt.  Hey, that’s what it’s all about! I really love Yonka products, made with plant and fruit extracts www.yonka.com , 1-800-533-6276.

Momoko is a perennially youthful Japanese lady whom I have known for almost 25 years.  She is tri –lingual (French, Japanese, English) and very knowledgeable about Japan and also very well connected.  She met us at Narita airport, where we had a 2-hour holdover.

We each had a snack in one of the many diverse and very clean restaurants in the immaculate and busy airport.  Momoko chose a sweet that looked odd but was actually very delicious - a jelly made from the essence of autumn fern with a dark green tea syrup and a dusting of a powdery sweet substance.

I chose edamame (boiled soy beans) and a plate of cold soba noodles with wasabi and mirin.  It was very good and refreshing.  Plus, lots of green tea, full of antioxidants, was consumed.

In the airport, there are many concessions selling all kinds of snacks and sweets and magazines and books.  This was a stand devoted to mochicream (rice flour covered frozen ice cream.)  They were selling many flavors.  Yum!

There is always a new toy or cuddly craze in Japan.  For young children, the latest are these soft pillows in amazing shapes and sizes.  These winter white seals were very endearing and I had to restrain myself from buying dozens for baby presents.  Maybe I’ll get them on the way back.

This is Momoko's elegant husband, Tad Sano.  He met us when we arrived at our inn in Kyoto.  He and Momoko joined us for a late snack and cold sake before departing for their hotel.

The Hiragiya Ryokan in Kyoto is one of the oldest and most venerable places to stay.  Rooms are in the Japanese tatami style with wooden soaking tubs, tatami mat floors and futon beds with down coverlets.  The food snack was presented in a new glass room that was just completed.  It is beautiful, elegant, and functional.  This bento box, shaped like a half moon, (the moon outside was half in shape, as well) was filled with autumnal delicacies.  River eel, toasted chestnuts, ginko nuts, chojuro pear, persimmon, and impeccable fresh fish sashimi.  Then the piping hot miso soup was served in a lacquered Covered bowl decorated with the ryokan's logo -the holly leaf.  More on Monday…

Just for fun, here’s a little information about various Asian noodles

Dried noodles have been a staple in Asian kitchens for more than 2,000 years. Although you can substitute Italian pasta in many Asian recipes, once you experience the flavors and textures of Asian noodles, they might just become basics in your kitchen too. You can find them in Asian food stores or in the Asian-food section of many supermarkets. Of the numerous types available, wheat-flour and rice-flour noodles are the most common. The noodles range from fine and thin, to coarse and thick. Although specific kinds are preferred for certain dishes, the noodles can often be used interchangeably. Just be sure to check the package instructions for any presoaking requirements.

Somen are thin, wheat-flour noodles that are wonderfully delicate in soups and salads. The thicker and wider variety are called udon; these chewy wheat noodles are good in robust soups, stews, and stir-fries. Japanese soba noodles, made from buckwheat flour, have a nutty taste and a slightly chewy texture, and can be served either hot or cold. Rice-stick noodles come in various widths and are used in many Asian soups, stir-fries, and cold salads. And thin rice vermicelli puffs up into a nest when fried, making a perfect bed for any stir-fry.   

Comments

[Daynah]

Oh I love Japan! I got the chance to visit my husband's family there earlier this year. The food was so good, the people are really nice, and everything in Tokyo moves at lightning speed! My favorite place there was definitely Nara Park where the deer roamed freely. Enjoy your trip Martha! I look forward to seeing more photos. :)

[Claudine]

What a wonderful report on the first leg of your trip. My mouth is watering just looking at that sushi and such beautiful presentations. Have a wonderful trip,we can't wait to see more!

[stephanie]

Thank you for sharing! I LOVE this blog - as always informative, entertaining and beautiful... So much fun to be "along" for your trip. Keep the blogs coming!
(You look great even without makeup!!)

[Trish]

Hi Martha,
Your business trips take you to exciting places and I am so jealous of Kevin! No, actually I am happy for him and he appears to be an excellent traveling companion; knowledgeable too. (His Blogs were very interesting!)

A 24 hour trip is a long ways away and I am glad it is you and not me over there! I will just enjoy your photos and imagine the taste of the interesting looking food. I love the exquisite bowl the Miso soup was served in and I guess I should buy some Soba noodles if I ever want to know what they taste like! Thanks again, Martha!
Trish

[Simone Smith]

Martha,
How wonderful that you are visiting Japan!
I was born there while my parents were traveling abroad, but from a young age I have lived in America.
MSLO has so many potential business opportunities in Japan. Both the company and the country celebrate traditions and seasons with great passion, and in addition, Japan is seeing growing interest in hand-made items, crafts, and home/lifestyle improvement through the "zakka" phenomenon. I hope many new doors open for you and MSLO on this trip.

[Jane M]

Great blog! Have a wonderful trip and buy up those cute pillows on your way back! They are truly BEYOND!

[sandra evertson]

Love, Love the blog!
Sandra Evertson

[rubyspirit]

I like stir fry but those dishes does not look tasty. In fact, my wok is a Martha Stewart wok. :-)

Thanks for the Yonka recommendation. Enjoy your trip.

[marilyn]

I hope you and Kevin are enjoying a perfect autumn day in Kyoto--such a lovely place! Being in Kyoto to me is about finding those perfect artistic details in unexpected places--a corner garden, a small bamboo container, exquisite foods beautifully presented. I know you both will be energized and inspired. I'll be checking soon for your next photos.

[Bethie]

Wonderful pictures! I'm so glad you posted them. Your blog is so interesting!

[Mika]

I am really happy to read this report. I'm Japanese but I live in Toronto now. Thank you for introducing my beautiful country,Martha.
Your fans in Japan really want you to restart your business in Japan.

[Erina]

Hi,Martha.
I love you and your blog.
I am a Japanese girl now living in the U.S.
I am sure it is the most beautiful season to visit to Japan.

I hope you enjoy your trip!!

[Barb]

Have a great trip. It is so nice to have you blog while you are actually in Japan. That is a place I would love to travel to. Have a great time.

[shelagh]

"essence of autumn fern" how delightfully Japanese. I am thrilled that you are sharing your trip in such an open and artful way. One day I hope to visit that extraordinary country but in the meantime I will vicariously enjoy it through you! Thanks.

[Patia]

How wonderful. Thank you for sharing your exciting adventures -- I can travel to Japan vicariously through you!

The pictures are great, too.

[Lori]

Love the pics of your trip. I adore the cuddly pillows! I can see lots of them just piled up on the kids' beds!

[Ariel]

Love, love, love the photos! Thank you so much for sharing with us all! One day I will make it to Japan!! My best friend, Ayano, is Japanese and lives in Tokyo! PS I would've bought all the little seal pillows as well!! They are adorable!

[PAULINE]

Hi Martha,
The first part of your trip is so well documented..I feel as if I'm there. Looking forward to your next installment..
Best,
Pauline

[Carolyn]

Japan.....How cool!

By the way.....you look great without any makeup. Such perfect skin!

Have a great trip!
Carolyn

[Nina]

Martha, you and Kevin make travel look so effortless.

[Margie]

Martha,
You make me smile. I really really appreciate logging the "not so fun" portions of your trips. But I can just see all the other travelers smelling those sandwiches and hoping they were part of their menu as well. And were they suprised who had them?!

[Mica]

Martha, You are just awesome.
I wish you a safe trip home.
;)

[Pam from CA]

Hi Maam,
Great photos from the flight over to Japan. I hope you and Kev are having a good trip thus far. I love the seal pillow bring back some and let us buy them so cute.
I think you are an excellent photographer no surprise there! Cool pix thank you for sharing.
Pam from CA

[Emmy]

Wish I could go to Japan to buy some Takashi Muramski goodies-the artist designing for Louis Vuitton! Enjoy your trip!

[Margie]

Martha, you make me smile.
I can just see all the other travelers smelling those great sandwiches. When they checked to see if they were on their menu and then to find out where they were coming from---what a suprise!
Thanks for telling it how it is.
Margie

[Misty]

Martha,
I'm twenty-three, and I wish I could pull off sans makeup pictures half as well as you can.

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, Every one of your blogs is beautiful and unique. I have never been a fan of Japanese cuisine, but the photos of some of the food you ate and descriptions make them sound very intriguing and worth a try. Thanks again for sharing. It's fun to learn something new everyday! Jan

[Cat]

Have a wonderful trip there! Thank you for sharing the trip with us through your photos! And the food... ~sigh~

The picture of you without any make-up?! Martha?! Here I was, preparing myself for the "sans makeup" photo, (thinking that you are a brave woman to post a picture of yourself without make-up) and as I was scrolling down the page to find that I'm sold on the skin care product you are using - you look wonderful!

Have a great time!

Cat

[debra]

So glad I found this blog! You are really so much fun Martha, thanks for sharing your incredible life with all of us!
fondly, debra

[Stef in Seattle]

Hi Martha,

This is fantastic. Thanks for sharing! I think when you take a trip that far away, the only way to go is first class... i wish I knew how much that goes for in US dollars... :)

Kind Regards,
Stef

[judi cabanaw]

I have read your blog and enjoy the up close and personal getting a glimpse of your home and seeing you with out your tv makeup It makes me smile you are real!!! Keep up the great work. You deserve all your successes.

[Tamili Smith]

This was my first time reading your blog. How wonderfull and interesting. Very informative on various things. Keep blogs like this comming !!

[nadia]

hi martha
it's really a pleasure to see different places,different cultures,isnt;it?i am nadia from cairo,egypt,i have been in saudi arabia,united emirates and algeria also i
but i am native from morocco,i want to tell you you are amazing,and i admire you a lot,god bless you.
nadia,cairo

[Coleen Cornell]

Dear Martha, Thanks for sharing your pic of Japan. It made me so homesick for the country that I have grown to love. I am a military spouse and my husband was given the perfect asignment to Misawa AB in Northern Japan. It was the best 2 years of my life. If you get a chance try going north. It is just as pretty as Kyoto and then some. I am going back next spring. I can't get enough. Once again Domo arigato for the pic.
Coleen Cornell

[Kim]

I am incredibly envious of you for your travels! I have always dreamed of visiting Japan, and unfortunately I lost contact long ago with the only person I know of in that country. Your blog and photographs are wonderful and drive me to visit even more!

Thank you, too, for the insight about long flights! They really are NOT fun, first class or otherwise. I've not flown as far as Japan, but South Carolina to Hawaii is still a tedious trip! I wish I had thought to not bother with makeup until the last stretch of the flight. By the time we arrived, concealer was in creases, lipstick was completely gone, and my eyeliner had smeared. Next time, it's moisturizer only!

[Anne Forquer]

Wool & Willow Needlepoint Shop Celebrates Hari-kuyo
The Japanese Memorial Service of Snapped Needles
Friday, February 8th at 2:00pm Wool & Willow Needlepoint Shop, located at 13002 Larchmere Blvd. Shaker Hts., OH 44120, will celebrate Hari-kuyo, the Japanese Memorial Service of Snapped Needles. Traditional Tea will be served.
Ancient Honors in Larchmere
Skilled workers honor the tools of their trade. So too, the needlepointers of Larchmere’s Wool and Willow. They will follow ancient Japanese tradition to honor their needles. February 8th is the day of Hari-kuyo, when Buddhist masses are sung for needles broken in the past year. The tradition considers that the needle’s souls were sacrificed in honorable service and are put to a final rest.
The ceremony involves a three-step altar, hung with a sacred rope and strips of paper relating to sanctified places. The top step contains offerings of fruit and sweet cakes. The middle step contains a cake of white tofu, and the bottom step carries the tools of the needlecrafters’ art, scissors, thread, and thimbles. The tofu, a white bean curd, is the soft cushion wherein the broken needles rest, comfortable after their days of loyal and hard service.
The origins of this annual ceremony are not clear, but the needlepointers of Wool and Willow do not overlook it. Interested participants and observers may contact Wool and Willow Needlepoint.

Contact Information:
Anne Forquer
Wool & Willow Needlepoint Shop
13002 Larchmere Blvd. Shaker Hts., OH 44120
216-791-7952
designer@woolandwillow.com
http://www.woolandwillow.com