Ekiben Journey #9 – Tokai-ken’s Makunouchi Bento from Shizuoka

During my recent trip on the Tokaido Shinkansen, I stopped at Shizuoka Station and decided to buy an ekiben for the ride. I chose the Makunouchi Bento by Tokai-ken, a long‑established local maker known for shaping Shizuoka’s ekiben culture for more than a century.

The bento came in a colorful cover decorated with Shizuoka-related motifs, reflecting the region’s history and traditions. Inside, the classic assortment of rice, grilled fish, tamagoyaki, kamaboko, fried items, simmered vegetables, and pickles was beautifully arranged. I was especially delighted to find wasabi-zuke, a well-known specialty of Shizuoka that added a refreshing, sharp flavor to the meal.

I enjoyed the bento while riding the Shinkansen, and its nostalgic taste paired perfectly with the passing scenery. Eating this bento reminded me once again that ekiben is one of the true pleasures of traveling by train in Japan, enriching the journey in a uniquely cultural way.

Kyoto Miku – Evening Coolness in Summer Kyoto

Kyoto Miku enjoys the gentle coolness of a summer evening in Kyoto, a quiet tradition that has long offered relief after warm days.  

This year’s Kyoto summer was especially hot, making the soft breeze at dusk feel even more precious.  

In this calm moment, she reflects the beauty of slowing down and finding comfort in the fading light of the city.

Bon Odori – Kyoto Miku in Summer Light

Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese summer dance held to honor the spirits of ancestors.  

People gather under glowing lanterns, wearing colorful yukatas, and dance in gentle circles to the rhythm of taiko drums.  

It is a moment of joy, remembrance, and connection — a celebration of life and community.

Kyoto Miku is the guide to Kyoto and Japanese culture. In this illustration, Miku joins the Bon Odori festival in her blue yukata.  

Her smile shines softly beneath the lanterns, blending the warmth of summer with the quiet beauty of Kyoto’s night.  

The embroidered “01” on her obi glimmers like a memory carried through the dance.

May this gentle scene bring you a sense of peace and nostalgia for summer nights in Japan.

Kyoto Vegetables – The Charm of Kamo Eggplant

Kyoto is known not only for its temples and traditions but also for its unique local vegetables called “Kyo-yasai.”  

Among them, ,"Kamo-Nasu", the Kamo eggplant stands out as one of the most beloved.

Kamo eggplant is round, glossy, and deep purple in color.  

It has a soft texture and rich flavor, making it perfect for simmered dishes or grilled recipes.  

This vegetable has been cultivated in the northern area of Kyoto for centuries, and it represents the elegance and depth of Kyoto’s food culture.

In this illustration, Kyoto Miku gently holds a single Kamo eggplant — a symbol of Kyoto’s harmony between nature and tradition.  

Its smooth surface and deep color reflect the quiet beauty of summer in Kyoto.

If you enjoy this gentle scene and Kyoto’s seasonal charm, I would be grateful for your support on Ko‑fi. Thank you for reading.

Yokosuka: One of the Birthplaces of Japanese Curry

The origins trace back to the Meiji period, when the Imperial Japanese Navy adopted curry as part of a major dietary reform to fight malnutrition.

Inspired by British naval stew, the recipe combined meat, vegetables, and a thickened broth served over rice—an approach designed for nutrition, efficiency, and practicality aboard ships.

I enjoyed curry in Yokosuka that was based on the recipe from the submarine Setoshio

The navy curry and the JMSDF curry are both served with milk.

Today, Yokosuka actively promotes its food culture through Yokosuka Navy Curry, a modern reconstruction of the original naval recipe. More than 40 certified restaurants serve this historic dish, prepared with beef or chicken, onions, carrots, potatoes, and accompanied by salad and milk for balanced nutrition. The city also collaborates with the Japan Maritime Self‑Defense Force to offer Kaiji Curry, recreating the flavors of current naval vessels.

I often enjoy these curries when visiting Yokosuka, and I believe they offer a unique and delicious way to experience Japanese history. For travelers, trying Yokosuka curry can be a memorable part of a Japan trip—combining culture, tradition, and comfort food in one plate.

If you enjoyed this post, I would be grateful for your quiet support on Ko‑fi. Thank you for reading.

Kyoto Miku and the Art of Matcha Latte

In Japan, matcha is more than just a drink—it is a symbol of harmony, mindfulness, and tradition.

Kyoto, the ancient capital, is known as the heart of Japan’s tea culture. In the Kyoto region, Uji tea has long been cultivated and is renowned for producing some of the highest quality matcha in Japan. Its rich flavor and vibrant color have made it an essential part of Japanese tea ceremonies and everyday life.

This illustration, Kyoto Miku Matcha Latte, blends that timeless elegance with modern creativity. Within the frothy green surface of a matcha latte, Kyoto Miku appears with her gentle smile, green-tipped hair, and a Kyoto-style floral hair ornament. The design captures the warmth of Japanese hospitality and the beauty of Kyoto’s cultural soul.

What is Kyoto Miku?

Through this artwork, I wanted to express the peaceful charm of Kyoto—where tradition meets imagination, and even a cup of tea can tell a story.

【4-Panel Manga] Learning About the World’s No.1 Avenue with Hatsune Miku! The Story Behind the Nikko Live Sunshine Project

Following up on my previous post about the "Nikko Live Sunshine Project," I've created a 4-panel manga featuring Hatsune Miku to show you exactly why this place is so special! Take a look at the comic first.

Hi everyone! Do you know about the "Nikko Cedar Avenue" in Tochigi, Japan?As Miku proudly explains in the comic, this breathtaking location is certified by Guinness World Records as the longest tree-lined avenue in the world. It is a historical treasure that has been carefully protected for over 400 years since the Edo period, and it serves as the beautiful, historic approach leading to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko.

Nikko-live-sunshine-project

"To share the wonder of this magnificent avenue with people both inside Japan and all around the world, I have launched the "Nikko Live Sunshine Project" starting this August.For more details about our project and upcoming updates, please check out the official announcement at the link below:

https://ko-fi.com/mikantomo/goal?g=0

I truly hope that through this project, more and more people will come to appreciate the beauty and deep history of Nikko Cedar Avenue. Thank you so much for your support!