B-grade gourmet

Street food in Japan (ramen, yakisoba, etc.) is called "B-grade gourmet" food. Every year, people flock to Atsugi, Kanagawa prefecture to participate in the B-1 Gourmet Grand Prix. There, everyone can see whose B-grade cuisine reigns supreme.

The Mainichi Daily News (EN) presented a photo special (EN) of the 2010 B-1 Gourmet Grand Prix.

NHK Amateur Singing Contest

One of my favorite Japanese TV shows is NHK Nodo Jiman (JP). Apparently, it means "Voice Pride". On the TV listings, it reads as the "NHK Amateur Singing Contest".

There are two prizes that can be won: an "effort" prize, and the weekly grand prize. At the end of the season, they have a special where all of the weekly champions compete for the super grand prize, but, er...I don't remember the name of the yearly prize. If anyone knows, feel free to post. Otherwise, I'll update next time the special's on. (´･ω･｀)

Cooking Lessons in Tokyo (in English!)

I saw ABC Cooking Studio on NHK's News Watch 9. I did some research and found that one of the branches offers classes in English! The location is in Tokyo Midtown (EN) in Asakusa.

> ABC Cooking Studio (EN)
> Tokyo Midtown's page for ABC Cooking Studio (EN)

Access (EN)

Introduction

Hello World,

My name is Clockwork Orange, and I have wanted a place to share my various Japanese discoveries for a long while now. I was about to start posting, but then the Great East Japan Earthquake happened. It seemed inappropriate to post my findings, which, to me, would seem to ignore the great tragedy that has befallen so many.

Now that Japan has adopted an attitude of rebuilding, I feel more comfortable sharing my passion again. I have lots to post, so please bear with my initial mass posting.

I'm planning on moving to Tokyo after my schooling, so there will be information regarding obtaining Japanese goods in the US, as well as things that will become local to me eventually.

If you have any resources or findings to share, please do! (^_^)

Welcome to Clockwork's Heart. <3