Japanese film screening in Perth!

On Wednesday I went to the preview of a Japanese film, 13 Assassins at Cinema Paradiso. A story based in 18th century, it tells the tale of a group of Samurais on a mission to kill an unsavoury lord. Although I'm not a fan of violent films, I went because it was in Japanese and I was hoping to see some beautiful landscape scenery. This movie was violent, with the beginning scenes showing some disturbing images of disfigured women and murdered children.

I must admit, I was in and out of sleep during the film but this is because I've been on pain killers and after a long day at work, I am out like a light. Alas, this had no reflection on the movie. I asked my partner what he thought and he said, "It was pretty slow for the first half, but picked up once the 13 assassins came together. It would be worth a watch for any kung fu or action movie fan. 3.5 stars." 


I do recommend this film to those who enjoy the era of the Emperor, samurais and Japanese history. I liked that it had beautifully dressed Japanese woman and that I learnt something more about Japanese culture. Besides that, I might stick to Studio Ghibli films. 


I found this short review, which is right on the mark and provides more detail on the film. 13 Assassins starts at Cinema Paradiso on Thursday 8 September. 

Japanese treats!

Work treats

Today I went to the newsagency and remembered that there is a Japanese treat shop around the corner. Situated in Cloisters Square, is a tiny store that's relatively new and sells Japan goods, such as noodles, snacks, chocolate, lollies and random bits and bots.

I bought some Pocky to share at work, Hello Panda for the weekend and something that I hadn't tried before, Gilco. Gilco is an ice cream shaped treat, made out of Aero type chocolate. It's definately one of my new favourites - the light and fluffy chocolate goes right through the cone!

Gilco goodness!

The gentleman working was so lovely and even gave me some free treats (one was covered in green tea chocolate)! I love Japanese sweets and they're not hard to find in Perth (expect sakura and green tea kit kats - someone stock them already!). Some of my favourite Asian grocers include a Seoul Mart on the corner of Hay Street and Pier Street, Hi Mart on Collins Rd, Willetton and of course, Nippon Grocery in Subiaco and Fremantle - but this store deserves its own post soon!

My new favourite sushi bar!

my oishii lunch!

William Street is certainly booming lately. I love seeing what new bars, stores and food places are going to be popping up soon.

I was so excited when I saw that Iku Sushi was opening up around the corner from my work. I get so jealous when I am in Melbourne and everywhere I step, you hear me saying “Oh look, another sushi store!”.

I only just tried Iku Sushi this week (two days in a row!), after a work colleague was telling me I must go because I would love it. And guess what? I did!

It’s the little things that make it special. The kawaii bag my lunch comes in; the Japanese treats (Hello Panda!) you can buy at the counter; the set up of the free (yes, that’s right, no 10c charge here!) soy sauces and the fake food displays (one of my favourite things in Japan were all the fake meals set up outside the restaurants).

There are a couple of tiny things that could be improved. They tape the flimsy lid on my udon and it always leaks in the adorable bag! I am also not too sure about one thing on the menu: the cheeseburger sushi. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

Either way, I can’t wait to go back! 

Japanese music in Perth!

Some hipsters I found in Shinjuku.

Something that I have always shown an interest in is Japanese music. Whist I was in Tokyo, I searched for some underground female punk bands, but all I found were some awesome looking crowds.

With the Bakery open again, Perth has been blessed with a broader range of music from around the world. That’s how I discovered that Mono, an instrumental band from Tokyo, were coming to town.

Tokyo based band, Mono.

Although it’s not my usual taste in music (I like angry girl music), I quite enjoy their humble, delicate and beautiful sounds.

Mono will be playing on Saturday 9 October (the day before I go to China – eek!) at the Bakery. I hope to check them out and report back!

All Things Japanese

I started this blog because I wanted to record all the fun, interesting and memorable things I have been doing. But in the last year (since I wrote my first entry), so much has happened that I obviously have been too busy (lazy) to write about it. I’ve changed jobs, been promoted, moved house, been to all sorts of bars, pubs and restaurants, sobbed about all these natural disasters around the world and had some great road trips.

Me in Kyoto, 2010

In reality, the things I do probably don’t differ much from your average 24 year old (but perhaps involve a couple more glasses of red). So I decided to make my blog something that I would want to read about – something that I find hard to get information for.

All things Japanese 

in Perth.

Not just restaurants, but everything from food, shopping, beauty … things that make you feel like you’re in Japan. Because in reality, these are the things that I source and want to read about.

It’s a shame that I didn’t start this idea earlier because I have discovered some great Japanese gems in Perth. But alas, it gives me an excuse to go back to these places and report about them. And hopefully find some new things on my adventures.