January 2022

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[Pugok, a Korean Soup, a Special Remedy for Sobriety]

In winter, it is not uncommon for the maximum temperature to drop below 0℃ in Korea. In Japan, soup dishes such as sundubu-jigae and samgyetang are famous for warming up the body.

Pugok, a dried pollock soup, is a staple in Korean home cooking and restaurants, and is a popular way to sober up. The dried pollock (pugo in Korean) used in the soup is rich in amino acids that improve the function of the liver and promote alcohol metabolism, making it a special remedy for hangovers. Alaska pollock contains twice as much protein as fresh pollock. They are good for digestion, rich in vitamins, calcium, fat and iron, and low in calories, making them good for beauty and health.

Tara-chan, located in Ginza 3-chome, not far from our Ginza Showroom, is dedicated to its pugoku and offers only one item on its set menu. Why not go there on a cold day or to sober up from a hangover?

Tara-chan (Closed on weekends and holidays)
https://www.instagram.com/tarapugok/
Ginza Showroom (Open from 9:00-18:00 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday)
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/ginza.html

Reference
https://www.konest.com/contents/korean_life_detail.html?id=466

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[The Benefits of Nanakusa-gayu and Porridge]

January 7th is Jinjitsu. It is also called Nanakusa-no-Sekku (the seven herbs festival) because people eat Nanakusa porridge with seven kinds of vegetables in the new year to wish for good health for the coming year.

Porridge is often thought of as something to eat when you are not feeling well, but in fact, the benefits of porridge have been passed down in the Buddhist world for over 770 years. It is also a common meal in East and Southeast Asia.

Dogen Zenji, the founder of the Soto sect of Buddhism, in his book "Fushuku Hanpo," which shows the manner of eating in a monastery, mentions that porridge has ten merits and virtues, "Shuyujiri," quoting from the Buddhist scripture "Makasou Giritsu." The ten virtues are as follows:

1. Blood glow of the body will improve.
2. Increased energy
3. Longer life
4. Body will be at ease and you will not overeat.
5. Speech will become clear and fresh.
6. No food left over from previous meals and no heartburn.
7. You will not catch a cold.
8. The body digests and nourishes itself to eliminate hunger.
9. Stop thirst
10. Good for bowel movement

This shows that porridge is effective not only when you are not feeling well, but also in managing your daily physical condition on a regular basis. Take care of your stomach and intestines so that you can live well in the new year.

Appi Urushi Studio's Owan #3.8
https://www.shokunin.com/en/appi/wan.html 
Matsuyama Tokojo's Yukihira Pot #5
https://www.shokunin.com/en/matsuyama/ 
Honma Kazuo Shoten's Straw Pot Stand S
https://www.shokunin.com/en/honma/nabeshiki.html 
Seiryugama's Kobachi S
https://www.shokunin.com/en/seiryu/kobachi.html 

Reference:
https://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/63540?page=5
https://higan.net/shojin/2007/02/column-3/

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[Finding Your Favorite Spoon]

You may have more dishes, but you may always use the same spoons and chopsticks. The other day, we had a customer who was looking for a non-stainless spoon. Spoons come in direct contact with your mouth, so they feel different depending on the material and size. If you change the spoon you use depending on the type of food or scene, you may enjoy your meals even more.

Appi Urushi Studio's hand-painted Spoon is made of pure Japanese lacquer and are gentle on the palate. Wooden materials are lighter and warmer than metal ones, and you can feel the smoothness of lacquerware in this item.

Spoon is a lucky item in Europe, as it is said to "scoop up happiness" and "never be bothered by food," and there is a legend that if you display a wooden spoon in your kitchen, you will become a better cook. Spoon is also recommended for celebrating marriage and childbirth.

We hope you will find your favorite spoon.

Appi Urushi Studio's Spoon
https://www.shokunin.com/en/appi/spoon.html
Miyamoto Shoko's Silver Baby Spoon
https://www.shokunin.com/en/miyamoto/spoon.html