Hagi Yaki 萩焼

Hagi Yaki (萩焼) is a type of Japanese pottery traditionally originated from the town of Hagi, Yamaguchi, in the former Nagato Province. In the period of Edo, The Mori Clan became daimyōs of Choshu Domain and they built Hagi Castle at the foot of Mt. Shizuki in 1608. Since then, Hagi developed as the political center of Choshu for over 250 years.

The Mori clan  (毛利氏 Mōri-shi) was a samurai clan. Hagi potteries were a part of tea ceremonies for the samurai clan of Mori, dating from 1604 when two Korean potters were brought to Hagi by Lord Mori Teremuto. The local feudal lord of Hagi area, had appointed potters in a castle town of Matsumoto to create Hagi wares for his personal tea ceremonies. Potters began to run their own independent businesses after the Meiji Restoration. The tradition of tea ceremonies and tea houses continue today.

The beauty of Hagi Yaki comes from not only its earthy colors but also for the glaze. The translucent beige glaze is draw out the natural, deep colors of the clay. Over time, a Hagi Yaki user might notice the color of the glaze getting darker. This is naturally as slightly porous surface absorbs the tea residues, maturing over time. I own one in my house.

Refences: To watch the documentary about Hagi Yaki click here.

うまい棒 Umaibo

    In the old times they say, うまい棒もう死んでいる (umaibo mo shindeiru), just kidding. Whenever i see this snack it reminds me that funny script.

Takoyaki, Cheese, Corn Pottage

Thanks to heavy rain and a huge traffic jam, i had difficulties to get my post after an examination of community interpreting, which wanted me to spend much effort than i expected. After walking 20 minutes and getting all wet, i got my parcel from post office. So i can about what these tastes like:

• Takoyaki: This really tastes like ketchup with some spice. After you eat it, the spice burns your tongue a little, but not that much. I give it an 8/10

• Cheese: This is really how your foot smells like, pure cheese waited for few years in the inn so smells really heavily, i guess our cheese puffs are better than this. Still, if you really like heavy smells go for it. I give it a 6/10

• Corn Pottage: This is my fav. It tastes like real corn pottage and has little spice to make it more tasty. You smell the corn whenever you open the package, it smells a lot, even so i like the smell of corn.  I give it a 10/10

If you want to know where i got these snacks here you go: https://www.blippo.com/