初日の出 (Hatsuhinode): The First Sunrise of the Year
Discover the meaning of Hatsuhinode, the Japanese tradition of watching the first sunrise. Learn why starting the year with light brings good fortune.
What Happens at the Table When the Year Ends in Japan
Discover the meaning behind Japanese New Year food. From Toshikoshi Soba to Osechi Ryori, learn how Japan marks the end of the year with quiet gratitude.
The Sacred Bridge: Why Chopsticks Mean More Than You Think
Did you know that “hashi” means both chopsticks and bridge? Discover the sacred meaning behind this daily ritual, the true depth of “itadakimasu,” and why eating is an act of connection and gratitude at Izakaya Midori.
BOUNENKAI: Japan’s Year-End Celebration 🌿
Discover Bounenkai, the traditional Japanese “forget the year” party. Learn about its origins, how it compares to Aussie Christmas functions, and how to embrace the spirit of gratitude and connection to end your year on a high note.
Hungry for a Good Story? – Our Book Picks from Hisashi Kashiwai
Hungry for a Good Story? Our Book Picks from Hisashi Kashiwai At Izakaya Midori, we believe that food tells stories, evokes memories, and brings people together. Recently, we discovered two…
Wanna Make Friends in Japanese?
Wanna Make Friends in Japanese? Making friends is one of the best parts of living, studying, or even just visiting Japan. But if you’re still learning Japanese, starting a conversation can…
So you’ve got your Izakaya Midori platter in front of you.
So you’ve got your Izakaya Midori platter in front of you. All those colours, textures and little bites aren’t just tasty — they have a language of their own. Here…
Onigiri: The Snack Australia Didn’t Know It Needed 🍙 ✨
Onigiri: The Snack Australia Didn’t Know It Needed 🍙 ✨ his snack has no rules. No cutlery. No order. No fuss. And quietly, it’s taking over Australia. It’s not sushi….
The Quiet Wisdom Behind Keeping Your Stomach Warm
The Quiet Wisdom Behind Keeping Your Stomach Warm In Japan, warmth is more than a feeling — it’s a quiet part of how people take care of themselves every day.From…
The Sake Etiquette You Might Not Know: What Is ‘Te‑jaku’?
The Sake Etiquette You Might Not Know: What Is ‘Te‑jaku’? In Japanese drinking culture, there’s a quiet rule that carries a lot of meaning: never pour sake for yourself. This…