December 2021

くじらの箸置き

[Chobundo's Whale Chopstick Rest]

Chobundo's Whale Chopstick Rest, which is often commented on as "cute" in our Ginza Showroom, is actually made by effectively using the surplus hot liquid iron generated during the production process of iron kettles.

Established in 1952, Chobundo uses the traditional casting method of Yamagata casting, which has a history of 900 years, to produce thin-walled, beautifully cast iron kettles.

The lovely shape is sure to soften your dining table. Each piece comes in a box, making it a perfect gift.

Chobundo's Whale Chopstick Rest
https://www.shokunin.com/en/chobundo/kujira.html 
Ginza Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/ginza.html

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[Datemaki Made in Tamagoyaki Pan]

Datemaki, a baked egg mixed with fish paste and other ingredients, rolled into a stick shape, is one of the most popular osechi dishes. The gorgeous yellow color will brighten up the dishes for the special occasion of welcoming the New Year. The shape before cutting is similar to that of a scroll, which is why it is considered a symbol of intelligence and a wish for academic success.

There are many theories about the origin of the name datemaki. One theory is that the name "datemaki" means "flashy rolled egg" because its vivid appearance and presence is related to the word "date," which is fashionable and eye-catching. There is also a theory that it originates from the kimono belt "datemaki." It is said to have its roots in "sponge cake kamaboko," a dish that was developed on Nagasaki's Dejima Island, the only place open to the outside world during the Edo period, which is part of the "Shippoku" cuisine, a fusion of Japanese, Western, and Chinese influences.

Before New Year's Day, we made Datemaki using Nakamura Douki's Tamagoyaki Pan as a preliminary exercise for osechi cooking. The copper Tamagoyaki Pan is the signature product of Nakamura Douki, a company that has been making pots and pans in downtown Tokyo for four generations. The hanpen is ground in a mortar and mixed with egg liquid with seasonings, then strained and slowly grilled over low heat. We didn't have a bamboo mat this time, so we used Kiya's Sushimaki.

Sweet and juicy datemaki is still a popular menu item for osechi. Why not use Tamagoyaki Pan, which is usually used to make tamagoyaki, and make it by hand?

Nakamura Douki's Tamagoyaki Pan L
https://www.shokunin.com/en/nakamuradouki/tamagoyaki.html 
Ichiyougama's Mortar 19cm
https://www.shokunin.com/en/ichiyou/suribachi.html 
Kiya's Sushimaki
https://www.shokunin.com/en/kiya/sushimaki.html 
Otera Kohachiro Shoten's Kanamari M
https://www.shokunin.com/en/otera/kanamari.html 

References
https://www.kamaboko.com/column/2208/
https://www.shop.post.japanpost.jp/shop/pages/osechi_iware04.aspx
https://www.kyounoryouri.jp/recipe/7827_%E3%81%A0%E3%81%A6%E5%B7%BB%E3%81%8D.html (Recipe)

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Founded in 1886, Sunami Toru Shoten originally manufactured goza in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, the birthplace of igusa and flowering goza.

The family business has been maintained by switching to the production of igusa baskets, called "yami-kago," which were used in the black market after the war.

Currently, Mr. Ryuki, the fifth generation of the family, is the only one in Japan who makes each basket by hand, using the method he learned from his grandmother.

Ikago is made of igusa, the same material used in tatami mats. Therefore, after a few years, just as tatami mats are burned, ikago will turn brown. The more you use it, the more it becomes shiny and supple. We hope you will enjoy this basket as it changes over time.

Binkago is useful not only for carrying wine and sake, but also for storing root vegetables such as onions and potatoes in an airy environment. The mini size can also hold a slim pocketbook, smart phone, water bottle, etc. They can also be used as eco-friendly bags to help reduce plastic bags.

It's also nice that the mesh of the basket has the auspicious cloisonne pattern, with wishes for happiness, harmony, and good fortune.

Due to the rising cost of raw materials, the prices of all items except for Binkago Mini will increase from January 1, so if you are considering it, please place your order as soon as possible.

Sunami Toru Shoten's Binkago (Prices of L and S will increase on January 1, 2022)
https://www.shokunin.com/en/sunami/binkago.html 
Sunami Toru Shoten's Ikago (Price will increase on January 1, 2022)
https://www.shokunin.com/en/sunami/ikago.html