Early in my marriage, I attended a company Christmas party with a white elephant gift exchange. For those unfamiliar with the term, it means all gifts are either gag gifts or impractical.
I ended up with a donut hole maker. My wife was psyched.
My wife is from the Kobe area, which is near Osaka. Osaka is often called “Japan’s Kitchen.” One item area residents love is takoyaki or fried octopus.
Takoyaki is a fried dough ball with octopus inside and spiced/garnished according to taste. If you’ve never had octopus, it’s chewy and feels like you’re eating something that’s fighting back. For a Japanese person overseas, if you don’t have a proper takoyaki maker, you can use a donut hole maker.
Takoyaki is so enmeshed into Osaka’s culture that this year’s Japan World Series* was called the “Takoyaki Series” as both teams were from Osaka.
My wife recently acquired an actual takoyaki maker from Japan. The CEO of my wife’s employer is returning to Japan. The CEO’s wife gave my wife theirs. She’s already used it and refuses to let me touch it even to clean it.
Related to this, my wife is going to Japan in the latter half of November to visit family. I am certain she will have takoyaki (and many other things). This will be our first Thanksgiving apart during our marriage. My kids have already expressed concern about Thanksgiving dinner. I can assure them that I won’t be making takoyaki.
*For those interested, The Hanshin Tigers won the series 4-3 over The Orix Buffaloes, ending the 38-year “Curse of the KFC Colonel".” (See the October issue for details.)
STILL HALF-OFF THROUGH NOVEMBER 21
The Samurai’s Heart is still available for download at only $2.99 through November 21. This is 50% off. I have posted links below for Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. Book also available at Smashwords, Tolino (Thalia), and Vivlio.
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SOCIAL MEDIA
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How To Tell Friend to Stay Quiet
The Origin of the Word "Tycoon"
Basic Facts About Himeji Castle
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