seminar to learn about Muslim Culture in Aomori

Hi! This is Takayuki Sato, one of the guys running this page.
I'm noticing that we've been hearing the word, "Halal" more frequently in Tohoku lately.
It was not until very recently that I learned the word, "Halal" means "that which is permissible under the Islamic law," and it designates not only food and drink but also all matters of daily life.

In Japan, I think that the word "Halal" is strongly associated with food.
There was a seminar to learn about Muslim Culture in Aomori, supported by Michinoku Bank.
Key takeaway points from lectures were that, in terms of inbound tourism, it is important to improve the environment of Tohoku to attract and host visitors and international students from Islamic countries, and that it's crucial for aging Japan to partner with Islamic countries when it comes to outbound tourism.
Listening to them talk, I got excited about the future collaborations with our Muslim friends.
At the seminar site, international students from Malaysia and Indonesia participated in panel discussions and after party sharing their experiences in Aomori and Japan.
I don't really know Muslims since there aren't many of you in Japan, especially in Tohoku, but, by interacting them, I felt that we have similar perception.
I hope we can build a better society by knowing each other and exchanging our cultures!

Dateuma market in Sun Mall Ichibancho

Assalamualaykum
I came across Dateuma market in Sun Mall Ichibancho. Dateuma market is a store that sells Tohoku’s delicious products: sweets, fresh vegetables and fruits, coffee, homemade pickles, and ready to eat foods, etc. You can find various kinds of Tohoku products here in this occasional market.
And, alhamdullilah, here you can try Halal curry, samosa, tandoori chicken at Harun's Food stand.

So if you want to enjoy Tohoku's high quality products with reasonable price, make sure to check out the market schedule and visit this place with your friends and families.

Shiogama Marine festival

"Shiogama Marine festival"
Shiogama city is one of the most popular port towns in Japan.
This is a very special festival for local people of Shiogama, because they have been prospering with the ocean.
Watch a video of the festival!: https://youtu.be/Yf_IcrGrEHI
Come to Tohoku

Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festiva

#‎Festival_of_Japan‬
Around this time of the year, every local community holds some festival in Japan.
On this post, we're going to introduce you "Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival".
With a history of almost three centuries, you get to see Japan’s greatest float parade in this festival.
The event takes place in downtown Hachinohe over five days starting on July 31.
▼Watch a video of the festival!: http://en.re-tohoku.jp/movie/12830
▼website: http://www.city.hachinohe.aomori.jp/index.…/27,66073,58,html
Enjoy Tohoku!!

The Sōma Nomaoi Festival

”The Sōma Nomaoi Festival” [in session] 7/24-7/27,2015
It's a breathtaking traditional festival with over 1000 years of history in Minamisoma city, Fukushima pref. And it's a Nationally Designated Important Intangible Folk Culture.
Several hundred samurai (knights) who are riding horse vying to capture the flags. This is the major attraction of the Soma Nomaoi.
▼website: http://soma-nomaoi.jp/english.htm
Enjoy Tohoku!!

typical Japanese Festival foods

Great summer festivals are ahead of us, which means that to find Halal foods at the spot is very important. Here are some typical Japanese Festival foods that's, insyaALLAH, Halal.
1. Churros
“Churros” is fried pastry dough made from flour. This famous food is sold in many street vendors and is available around the world including Japan. InsyaALLAH, regular and common Churros in Japan do not use any Haram material. After drained, usually it's sprinkled with sugar or cinnamon. To be honest, this is my favorite snack in every festival.

2. Kakigori/Shaved ice dessert
his summer favorite is so lovely! I like its taste and of course the color of the syrup. So far, (In 3 years) living in Japan, I never found haram Kakigori syrup. (But please make sure to check before you buy, ok?)
3. Candy Apple
This beautiful colored apple will catch your eyes. Don't worry, insyaALLAH, no haram ingredients are used in Candy Apple. It's just an apple that covered with red colored sugar water.
4. Halal Food Stand.
In some festival, there is usually at least one stall that sells Halal foods in Japan (May vary in each region). They are usually from Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Turkey, etc. For example, in Tohoku Asian Festival, there are 2 food stands that sell Halal foods: curry puff from Malaysia and Opor from Indonesia. Love this food stands so much!
So, don't worry and keep it Halal.
That said, it's better to bring our own Halal Bento.

Sansa Odori Drum Dance

The perfect weather for festivals in Tōhoku continues!
This time, we traveled to Morioka for the "Sansa Odori Drum Dance," the icon of the summer in the city!
Rhythmic thumping and rimshots carry over a backing of mellow bamboo flutes as the sensually gyrating drummers parade down Morioka’s central avenue.
▼Watch a video of the festival!: http://en.re-tohoku.jp/movie/12279

Akita Kantō Festival

Do you know "Akita Kantō Festival"?
Akita is famous for Namahage, Akitakomachi rice, kiritanpo (kneaded and grilled rice), and of course you can’t forget about its great Kantō (pole lantern) Festival.
Moving lanterns were exquisite and also fantastic as well.
It’s even impressive to see giant polls fell to the ground after performers lost control of their polls.
▼Watch a video of the festival!: http://en.re-tohoku.jp/movie/7681

Sendai Fireworks

<<TONIGHT EVENT>>Sendai Fireworks
This is one of a major fireworks display in Japan.
Period: Every August 5th 19:00(setting off time)
Do you like Japan's fireworks?

Sendai Tanabata!

Write down your wishes on a paper strip: Sendai Tanabata!
It’s the biggest Tanabata in Japan, and a huge crowd come to see it!
Period: Every August 6th-8th
▼Watch a video of the festival!
*http://en.re-tohoku.jp/movie/7668
*(Another viewpoint): http://en.re-tohoku.jp/movie/8134
┗(Big Thai Stars Come to Sendai!)

Yamagata Hanagasa Festival

"The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival"
The Highlights of the festival are the loud shouts and the sound of drums reverberate in the midsummer and the dynamic and lively dance performed by more than 10,000 people dressed in brilliant costumes.
English Website> http://www.hanagasa.jp/en/

Yakihashiri Youganryu (焼走り溶岩流)

Find the lava adventure in Iwate!
A lava flow known as Yakihashiri Youganryu (焼走り溶岩流), is some of the most dramatic landscapes in Iwate prefecture, Tohoku. This lava flow was created by the eruption of Mt. Iwate in 1719. It's approximately 1.5 kilometers wide and spreads 3 kilometers in length. It’s worth to visit in your lifetime.

MATTA Fair 2015

Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you know that we'll have a booth at MATTA Fair 2015. which will be taking place from September 4 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Please come stop by at our booth to say hi if you're living in the city! You'll get our original pen and note if you take a survey!
Date: September 4-6
Place: Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC)
Booth No.: JNTO JAPAN BOOTH 18

Look for this booth!

Jozenji Street Jazz Festival

Assalamualikum and hello everyone!
The season of "Jozenji Street Jazz Festival" came again this year, celebrating its 25th anniversary. This year, the event was successfully held on 12 and 13 of September at the downtown area of Sendai City.
This street event gathers all music lovers and performers at one place to appreciate the value of music and make life more lively.

Although it is "jazz" festival, all music genres such as pop and world music are performed, and even a rock band can participate as long as its musical performance suits the streets.
I grabbed the opportunity to experience this entertaining and exciting festival. Personally, I heard a band performing one of my favorite songs "Miraie (To the future)" by Kiroro and it brought back memories of my own childhood experience.
This unique and I believe as the rarest annual festival happens only in Sendai gathers people from all walks of life who appreciate and enjoy listening to their favorite music on the street. Not only do local artists perform, this festival also welcomes international performers to get involved.
Another thing that makes this event particularly enjoyable is a lot of stalls that serves a variety of simple and delicious food. A few halal food is also available, and personally I tried yummylicous banana chocolate. My kids also love it.
Those who missed this year's festival, please look forward to the 26th year event next year. Music for body and soul. Enjoy!!

We held a Imoni party today

We held a Imoni party today. It’s one of the most famous autumn events in Tohoku region. Originally, it started as a celebration of the beginning of harvest. Nowadays, it became one special occasion that helps bring people together. This time, we bought halal chicken, vegetables, miso and soy sauce(without alcohol). It was amazingly sedap.