From the shop front hanging curtains to the stretched counter dining, Naruto Ramen shouts authentic ramen shop from the inside out! This “hole-in-the-Japanese-wall” is a rarity on the Upper East Side and this is also why the restaurant has enjoyed increased popularity since 2007.  Naruto’s manager, Mr. Kyoji Noda, has perfected the ramen recipe in NY and believes that the key to making good ramen is the complexity of its “umami” (flavorfulness).  The broth, a mixture of chicken, pork, seafood and vegetables, is homemade and cooked before your eyes in a typical Japanese atmosphere. It takes almost a full day to achieve a clear yet rich soup that will complement the toppings without overpowering their individual taste. The cook gathers the ingredients in a seemingly effortless choreography and within minutes, the bowl is presented to you.  Naruto Ramen reinvents its menu along with the seasons and keeps customers coming back to discover new dishes. For summer, the Hiyashi Chuka (cold noodle with assortment of toppings) is a favorite. They also offer weekly specials on Mondays ramen for $6.50 or Wednesdays when the homemade gyoza dumplings are only $2.50.

Naruto Shoyu Ramen

The most popular dish on the menu: Naruto Shoyu Ramen. Tender curly ramen noodles are topped with crunchy bamboo shoots, scallions, boiled egg, a thick slice of pork and the now famous “naruto” fish cake slice.

3 Best Sellers
Naruto Ramen (shoyu Flavor) $9
Tantan Men $10
Homemade Gyoza Dumplings (6 pieces) $4.50

The legendary brewery, Nishiyama Shuzojo Co., Ltd., is introducing a new product to the U.S. market, Kotsuzumi Yuzu or Small Drum Citrus in September. This 7% alcohol, sake-based drink is infused with mainly locally produced Japanese domestic citrus fruit that is blended with Nishiyama Shuzojo’s cornerstone brand, Kotsuzumi sake. It is slightly sparkling, a feature not commonly found in yuzu sake, with a taste that is both tangy and refreshing.

A unique aspect of the creation of Kotsuzumi Yuzu is that Nishiyama Shuzojo appealed to customers on the Internet to get their feedback during the process. The product development of this sake occurred with their collaboration, leading to details like its stylish bottle showcasing a lovely green label adorned with a picture of a yuzu. About 500 responses were received, among them one from a female customer asking for a “sparkling yuzu sake with honey.” The addition of this last ingredient makes Kotsuzumi Yuzu a sweet drink, but if enjoyed on the rocks this sweetness will become more subtle.

50,000 bottles of this sake have already been distributed, and rave reviews are coming in from all corners. For example, a famous pastry chef has praised the prominence of its rice taste and fragrance, and has described Kotsuzumi Yuzu as “a combination of rice champagne and yuzu.” Here in the States yuzu is currently a trendy menu item, and its taste has wide appeal so this sake is sure to be a hit. Nishiyama Shuzojo also makes Kotsuzumi sake in the plum and grape flavors, so here’s hoping these selections eventually make it to our shores as well!

Info: Ozeki Sake (U.S.A), Inc.
40 Varick Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11237
TEL: 718-456-1818

Distributed by JFC International
TEL: 718-456-8805

When it comes to the trend of Japanese food in NYC, Kodama Sushi, which has been in business in the theater district for more than 30 years, knows best. They were here when it all began, when tempura and teriyaki were about the only two Japanese cuisines known to America. The restaurant is famous for the best price and volume and for the quality of food, but that’s not all that’s kept them in business all these years. While primarily a sushi restaurant, they serve up some unique creations offered nowhere else as daily specials, making it exciting for regulars. According to owner, Kenji Kodama, Japanese Curry is now on the horizon of becoming the next big thing. So in order to get a head start on the trend, the restaurant has been offering a unique take on Japanese curry since mid August. The new curry menu features a customizable curry dish where people are free to choose between rice, udon noodles, and spaghetti pasta, which the curry is poured over. Toppings for the curry also come with a choice of fried seafood, fried vegetables, or meats. And with a small store selling Japanese snacks located at the front of the restaurant, you can even get some shopping done.

Tempura Curry Pasta

Tempura Curry pasta may sound weird, but one bite is all it takes to get you hooked, as the curry here has such a deep, rich flavor as if it was slow cooked in the pot over days. Try it at least once. You won’t be sorry.

3 Best Sellers
Broadway Box L: $11.75 D: $15.75
Grilled Chicken Salad $7.75
Tempura and Salmon Teriyaki $16

Gettaman Angel Wing Bra (GT 110101) is sold for $68,
and Gettaman Support Pants (GT310101) for $52.

Lingerie specialist, Ripplu has some new offerings which are sure to wow customers.  One is the Gettaman Angel Wing Bra, which has slimming and body defining effects.  Accompanying this wonder bra is Gettaman Support Pants, which offer support to the pelvis.  Both feature breathable material that ensures easy movement, making them perfect for warm weather when the last thing you want is to feel constricted in any way.

The Angel Wing bra was developed for a diet program called “Angel Wing Exercise.”  Its design lets the upper body move more freely by eliminating straps and the fabric surrounding the shoulder blades, and also helps to burn fat around the area.  The reinforcing structure and power net fabric will support, lift and mold the body.

The Support Pants have a strong power net lining in the stomach section that helps to hold in belly fat, and in addition, the pants feature “hip up belts” with unique pelvis stability, compression and a lower back pad. The belt has the effect of raising the hips and pulling up the fat in this area in order to present a smoother appearance.

The pants also have “Angel Wing.”  This pad supports the lower back.

Now is the perfect time to try body shaping with these new Ripplu products, so why not sample them to enjoy a whole new world of undergarment comfort?

Ripplu
66 Madison Ave., (bet. 27th & 28th Sts.)
New York, NY 10016
TEL: 212-599-2223
www.ripplu.com

Located in the heart of the East Village where you can always enjoy a cutting-edge culinary experience at a reasonable price, Dieci offers top quality, creative Japanese dishes. As its name suggests the small restaurant on E. 10th Street started out as an Italian wine bar three and a half years ago and has become one of the most popular destinations for those who seek something new. Recently Dieci dramatically redesigned its menu introducing the famed chef, Takanori Akiyama, (formerly of Lan) with a direction of Japanese infused tapas.  However, Dieci’s agenda of featuring local ingredients has been unchanged: Every morning, the kitchen staff runs all over the city to get the freshest vegetables; meat and vegetables are brought in from around the world.  Chef Akiyama gives them a magic twist and creates dishes such as Baby Red Potato Gratine with Sea Urchin and Crispy Warm Fluke Sashimi that take you way beyond where the titles suggest. Even their sushi menu, like Spicy Tuna and Grilled Brie Roll, invites you on a trip to an unknown realm of flavor.  But, there is no need to worry, Dieci’s long experienced approach promises you another unforgettable night in the East Village.

Miso Infused Filet Mignon Tataki

Everyone enjoys looking through a jewel box, and that’s the kind of excitement you experience at Bit’z Kids, a Japanese baby and children’s clothing store. After two years of success at its Upper West Side location, Bit’z Kids has opened a second location near P.S. 234 in Tribeca to offer fashionable and high-quality clothes for newborns up to 8-year-olds at reasonable prices.

With over 140 stores in Japan and 40 in China, Bit’z Kids produces a wide array of original lines to meet any taste –– from casual to hip, chic to sporty, just to name a few. The “Seraph” line is for girls who favor a natural and sophisticated style, and “Bit’z” is a good choice for active boys. The New York stores also carry items reflecting New York trends and demands, such as T-shirts with T-rex patterns and New York logos. But Bit’z Kids takes most pride in the quality of its clothing. The company puts extra care into perfecting materials, designs, and details to produce comfortable, functional, and safe clothing that is also stylish. A pair of boy’s jeans, for example, is made of surprisingly soft material, and its elastic waist is very comfortable for kids. Accessories such as backpacks, bento boxes, hats, caps, socks, and eco-bags are also popular here.

For those who shop with babies and children, Bit’z Kids has a play area, diaper-changing station in the bathroom, and a fitting room that is spacious enough to accommodate a stroller and breast-feeding. You can enjoy shopping to the fullest here in this wonderland of kids’ clothing.

Bit’z Kids is offering all Chopsticks NY readers who make a purchase a free original eco-bag. Bring the magazine or just mention Chopsticks NY when checking out.

Info: Bit’z Kids
275 Greenwich St., (bet. Murray & Warren Sts.)
New York, NY 10007
TEL: 212-571-0803
www.bitzkidsnyc.com

While the wave of foreign travelers to Tokyo surges, the Japanese capital opens a new gateway within the city: Tokyo International Airport.  Known as Haneda Airport, this gateway had been the largest international airport in the country until the current largest international gateway, Narita Airport was built in 1978.  After having become a domestic-oriented service airport, Haneda Airport regains some slots for international flights, when the brand-new fourth runway is completed and officially opened on October 21, 2010.

Fly in, Fly out of the City
This new opening is to expanal Haneda’s capacity and function for long-haul international flights during low-traffic hours in early morning and late night.  For flights to/from the US, the arrival is at night and departure is first in the morning.  And the airport is located actually within Tokyo:  A 30-minute train ride to Tokyo’s hub train stations enables visitors to start their day the next morning in the city center, and it is also easy to catch morning flights back to the US.

For service to Haneda Airport, three US carriers will serve non-stop flights, not to mention Japan’s two carriers, Japan Airlines (JAL) from San Francisco and Honolulu, and All Nippon Airways (ANA) from Los Angeles and Honolulu.  American Airlines flies from New York JFK Airport, Delta Airlines from Detroit, and Hawaiian Airlines from Honolulu.

Get into the City
The largest change will be the distance to central Tokyo:  Public transportation system from Haneda is as competitive as Narita, but the proximity to the city center is definitely a big advantage.

Train: Tokyo Monorail (http://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/english/) runs every 3 to 5 minutes, and the platform is connected by an elevator going down to departure and arrival floors.  The monorail’s city station is Hamamatsu-cho, one of the stops on Tokyo’s main train loop Yamanote Line.

Keikyu Line also runs right into Haneda’s new international terminal building.  The platform is in the basement of the terminal building, and an elevator takes you to both arrival and departure floors from the station level.  Keikyu Line connects the airport to Shinagawa station on the Yamanote Line.

A taxi ride is also available if you have a handful of luggage:  Tokyo’s several taxi companies are resetting a new flat rate around 6,000 yen (approximately $68) to major destinations in the city center such as Shinjuku and Shibuya, which is 20 to 30% less than the average rate for the same distance.

Easier Connection to Beyond Tokyo
Haneda Airport also expedites connections to domestic flights for those traveling beyond Tokyo:  Haneda is Japan’s largest domestic aviation hub, and flying into Haneda makes it much easier to connect to domestic flights.  Japan’s other regional attractions such as gorgeous ski country, Hokkaido and tropical beach destination, Okinawa, become much more accessible through the new service at Haneda Airport.

In the Airport
The brand-new terminal is getting into shape for the grand opening on October 21. The new terminal will be more than the terminal to pass through.  Structural innovation is everywhere, including the world’s first seamless boarding bridges, floor to ceiling glass window that brings in a lot of natural light, and chic yet functional bathrooms.  On the rooftop of the 5-story terminal building is the observation deck with a 270 degree panorama of the runways.  The 4th floor will be a shopping arcade with the Edo (old Tokyo) cityscape façade, and a unique planetarium café, where the magnificent space show of 40 million stars entertains the café crowd.  The airport will be a small playground for travelers as well as locals.

The new gateway already offers Tokyo’s unique cultural mélange and urban excitement.  With anime character souvenirs, traditional artifacts, sleek design products and a popular Japanese dining experience, Haneda welcomes all visitors right after they touch-down to take-off.

——- Nori Akashi : Public Relations Manager at the New York Office of JNTO

Japan National Tourism Organization
New York Office
11 W. 42nd St., 19th Fl., New York, NY 10036
TEL: 212-757-5640
www.japantravelinfo.com

It was 1983 when the G-Shock stunned the world with its absolute toughness. Designed mainly for sports and outdoor adventures, the wristwatch was born from one developer’s dream of “creating a watch that never breaks.” Guided by a “Triple 10” development concept, the design team sought a watch with 10-meter free-fall endurance, 10-bar water resistance, and a 10-year battery life. When it was introduced, the G-Shock shattered the notion that a watch is a fragile item that needs to be handled with care.

Its shock-resistant structure was created based on a breakthrough idea that combines advanced technology with meticulous design. The watch’s case employs a hollow structure in which the module is “floated” to protect it from shocks. Supported inside the case at just a few points, it is as though the module were floating in air. A protective urethane-resin bezel design prevents the buttons and glass from contacting flat surfaces, thus protecting them from shocks when falling at any angle. The crystal oscillator and other important parts inside the module are also individually protected with cushioning material.

The band actually acts as a shock absorber itself, protecting against shocks from behind. It employs strictly controlled combination ratio of urethane resin. Neither too soft nor too hard, the superb specified combination realizes an ideal balance between shock resistance and comfortable wearability.

In addition to its absolute durability, the lightweight and water-resistant G-Shock has numerous useful features: a stopwatch function, a countdown timer, various new sensors, and solar-powered, radio-controlled technology. By employing the latest technology, the G-Shock has evolved constantly and is continuing to transcend conventional watch concepts. Casio has also collaborated with many designers and pop-culture celebrities to create hundreds of limited-edition G-Shocks with custom designs. They are now collectible items with fans worldwide.

The latest model of the G-Shock, the GXW-56, has just been released this August in Japan. It is the largest G-Shock ever. “When the G-Shock was introduced, the current trend for watches was small and compact. However, the large and strong G-Shock was well received in America, meeting the need for a practical wristwatch. Today, large and wild styles are well accepted, so by highlighting ‘strength’ in this model, we want to emphasize the G-Shock’s toughness again,” says Nobutaka Ishii, Casio public relations representative. The GXW-56 is not available in the U.S., but its brother model, the GX-56, was released earlier this month (see image at left). It is available at Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Tourneau, and other fashion boutiques and on the web at www.gshock.com.

The latest model available in the U.S., the GX-56,
features the largest case design (55.5mm x 53.6mm x 17.5mm)
in G-Shock history, nearly two times larger in volume than the classic DW-5600.

A full urethane bezel provides all-directional covering to
prevent direct shocks from striking the glass and buttons.
Cushioning material provides extra protection for key parts.

The model GA110DR-1A, released earlier this year,
was made in collaboration with Dee & Ricky,
the New York based fashion design duo.
Like the duo’s signature Lego®-based designs,
all the details pop against the black backdrop.

———————————————————

Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
Established in 1957 as an electronic calculator manufacturer, Casio Computer Co., Ltd. has continued to introduce innovative consumer electronics. In 1974, it entered the wristwatch market and launched the G-Shock in 1983. Casio is now one of the leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions in the world. Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, business projectors, watches, and other consumer electronic products.
www.casio.co.jp (Japanese only)
www.casiousa.com

What kind of Japanese language program do you offer?
We are a learning center that offers programs like daycare, playgroup, mom & baby group and writing class. We also offer a hiragana [one of the Japanese writing systems] class for children who are about four years old and interested in the characters. Even for younger children who are two or three years old we have set up an environment where they can absorb Japanese language naturally by reading picture books and singing songs. In addition, we use puzzles, blocks, and balls as well as more visually attractive picture cards and dolls.

Do you have both Japanese and non-Japanese children in your program?
Yes. Their backgrounds and Japanese skills vary. What we are doing here is leading them to have fun with the language more.

How do you encourage children when they get stuck in the learning process?
Some children feel frustrated when they cannot find the proper words to express what they are thinking. We tell them, “Just try –– say anything you want. There’s no right or wrong.” We think it’s important to make them feel like trying.

What is your advice to parents on how to create a good environment for learning Japanese at home?
If they are not Japanese, they might struggle with how to approach this situation. I would suggest at least teaching greeting expressions. If people can use appropriate greetings, they can communicate somehow, I think. Since Japanese people use a variety of expressions and nuances in their greetings, it would be a nice introduction to expanding children’s language skills.

Ogasawara-sensei’s mini lesson
“Douzo”
“Douzo” is an adverb that grants permission in a polite manner as well as adds nuance to a sentence. It is a commonly used word, but it can be used in many different ways. Its meaning changes slightly depending on the sentence and the intonation. “Douzo” is close to “please” in English, but there is no word that corresponds exactly. So exploring this word is interesting.

————————————————————–

NYCNDA, LLC (NYC Let’s Play in Japanese)
315 E. 5th St. (bet. 1st & 2nd Aves.)
New York, NY 10003
TEL: 646-334-7426
www.nycnda.com

The high season for eggplants has now arrived. The eggplants consumed in Japan are small, soft, and delicate compared to those available in this country. Eggplants in Japan are less bitter and easier to cook, so they are prepared in many different ways: pickled, sautéed, fried, boiled, steamed, and grilled. An eggplant consists mostly of water and glucide with a few vitamins and minerals, but its purple skin contains an abundance of polyphenol, which lowers cholesterol and limits oxidization. Unlike other vegetables, the eggplant’s nutritional value is not reduced in cooking. Plus, it goes very well with oil, so you can increase its nutritional value by sautéing or frying it in oils containing vitamin E. This month, Misako-sensei creates Japanese-Style Ratatouille with Eggplant by using sake, mirin, and soy sauce for seasoning. With this little twist, she transforms this Mediterranean dish into one that goes perfectly with Japanese sake.

Japanese-Style Ratatouille with Eggplant

[Ingredients] (serving: 4)
—- 2 medium Japanese eggplants (baby Italian or Holland eggplants can be substituted)
—- vine-ripe tomatoes
—- 2 peppers of your choice (green, red, and or yellow)
—- 1 red onion
—- 3 cloves of garlic
—- 4–5 anchovy fillets
—- 1½–2 tbs soy sauce
—- 1½ tbs mirin
—- 1/4 cup olive oil
—- ½ cup sake
—- ¾ cup dashi or water
—- 1 tsp black pepper
—- Finely chopped scallions to garnish

[Directions]
1. Cut eggplant diagonally into ½-inch rounds.
2. Put water and salt into big bowl and place eggplant inside. Put small plate on top as weight and let eggplant soak in water for at least 20 minutes to eliminate its bitterness.
3. Drain eggplant and pat dry well with towel or paper towel.

4. Roughly chop tomatoes, peppers, and red onion.
5. Put olive oil, anchovies, and thinly sliced garlic into large pan. Turn on heat to high and let them warm up.
6. When oil starts to bubble around garlic, put in eggplants.
7. Add red onion and peppers and stir well.
8. Add tomatoes and stir well.
9. Add sake and dashi or water and let simmer until liquid reduces to half for about 20–30 minutes.

10. Add soy sauce. Taste and adjust amount of soy sauce.
11. Add mirin and black pepper and let simmer for another 3 minutes.
12. Turn off heat and place ratatouille on plate. Sprinkle with chopped scallion.