WIT Life #183: 10,000 Free Flights to Japan! (and the best bonsai I’ve ever had)
Earthquake Tsunami, Food & Drink, Translating/Interpreting, Travel/Tourism, WIT Life, Writers 
Comments Off on WIT Life #183: 10,000 Free Flights to Japan! (and the best bonsai I’ve ever had)
************************************************
WIT Life is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.
Last night I had the chance to attend an event at the Modern sponsored by the Japanese beverage company Suntory, for the unveiling of their newest whiskey here in the States, Hakushu. We first enjoyed a tasting of this offering, along with samples of favorites Yamazki and Hibiki. Chef Gabriel Kreuther prepared an amazing menu to pair with these whiskeys, featuring such treats as foie gras and caviar.
However, for me the best part of the meal was the amazing dessert pictured here. It may look like a bonsai creation, but down to the roots every part of it was edible. The leaves were white chocolate, the branches a dark chocolate, and the soil a bitter chocolate. The brown sweets on the side were gold-flecked macaroons flavored with pistachio and whiskey. Talk about artisanship!
If this image has you missing Japanese craftsmanship, the London branch of the Japan National Tourist Organization might have the solution for you. As this press release indicates, the Japan Tourism Agency has proposed giving away 10,000 free flights to Japan next year. This is part of efforts to revive the domestic tourism industry, which has taken a huge hit in the wake of March’s earthquake and tsunami. This initiative is still subject to Japanese government approval, but if it passes hopeful travelers can apply by submitting an essay about why they deserve the free trip. Start thinking about your pitch today!
Comments are closed.