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[Kaku-Uchi]

The origin of the word "kaku-uchi" has various theories. In the old days, the word was used to mean drinking sake in a square wooden cup, but over time it has changed to refer to drinking standing in a corner of a liquor store as a drinking space.

Kaku-uchi (corner drinking) has recently become a common sight throughout Japan, but it is said to have originated in the coal mining and factory areas of Kitakyushu. It is said that liquor stores were places where late-night workers could have a drink on their way home from work regardless of the time of day or night. They may have toasted to their fatigue on the spot with their friends.

The kaku-uchi I stopped by the other day on my trip was a renovated space that had been used by a liquor store as a warehouse. The sake bottles were beautifully lit up, and when ordering, you exchanged your order for a card with a hundred poems written on it.

"The opening time is the time it takes for the surrounding bars to open, that's why they call it the "0th party," the proprietress said with a laugh, handing us a discount ticket that could be used at the liquor store.

A casual stopover at a kaku-uchi. It is one of the pleasures of traveling. Kitakyushu City is the home of kaku-uchi, so be sure to search for one on Google Maps.

Chiyonosono Sake Brewery
https://www.chiyonosono.co.jp/
Wakamatsu Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/wakamatsu.html

References
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/角打ち
https://www.sawanotsuru.co.jp/site/nihonshu-columm/enjoy/what-is-kakuuchi/

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[Instant Steamed Rape Blossoms]

With the arrival of spring, rape blossoms can be seen at vegetable stands. The most common way to eat rape blossoms is boiled. However, I was worried that boiling the rape blossoms might cause the nutrients to escape... but after learning about this boiling method on social media a few years ago, I can't stop eating them now because they are so delicious.

How to cook:
1. Cut lightly washed rape blossoms into bite-size pieces.
2. Heat 1/2 cup of water, sprinkle salt lightly and bring to a boil.
3. Pour in the rape blossoms and 2 cups of boiling water, cover immediately, and cook over high heat for 1 minute while shaking the pan.

The bittersweet and umami taste of the rape blossoms, instantly locked in, spreads in your mouth, and you realize that spring has arrived.

In Mino, a region that has been a center of pottery production since the Heian period (794-1192), Yamatada Katoen has been making ceramic mortars and grinders for generations since 1794. The five comb marks, a mixture of straight and curved lines, allow for smooth grinding with little effort, regardless of which hand is used. Grind sesame seeds and rape blossoms with your favorite seasonings in the mortar, and serve it directly to your table. Enjoy the beautiful spring season.

Yamatada Katoen's JUJU mortier Mortar
https://www.shokunin.com/en/yamatada/suribachi.html
Sori Yanagi's Stainless Steel Bowl 23cm and Punching Strainer 23cm
https://www.shokunin.com/en/yanagisori/bowl.html
Yamada Kogyosho's Uchidashi Katatenabe L
https://www.shokunin.com/en/yamada/

Reference
https://twitter.com/nano_723/status/1225004372045598720 (recipe)

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[Price Revision Notice]

Due to the rising cost of raw materials, several items will increase in price on 2024/4/1-5. If you are considering purchasing, please place your order before then.

Azmaya's Rice Storage Box
https://www.shokunin.com/en/azmaya/komebitsu.html
Kiya's Steamer Cloth
https://www.shokunin.com/en/kiya/fukashi.html
Kagoshima Takeseihin's Onioroshi
https://www.shokunin.com/en/kagoshima/onioroshi.html
Kurikawa Shoten's Shibu Uchiwa
https://www.shokunin.com/en/kurikawa/index.html
Kuska Fabric's Fresco Tie
https://www.shokunin.com/en/kuska/frescotie.html
Fresco's Kasumi Bowl
https://www.shokunin.com/en/fresco/kasumibowl.html
Fresco's Kasumi Plate
https://www.shokunin.com/en/fresco/kasumiplate.html
Fresco's Dan
https://www.shokunin.com/en/fresco/dan.html
Fresco's Balloon
https://www.shokunin.com/en/fresco/balloon.html