EDITOR'S CHOICE
Dear jstyle,
My wife and I visited Japan for the first time in 2006 on a Cherry Blossom tour en route to Europe with JAL. We returned by way of Tokyo to spend a few days there. We love the country immensely and plan to make longer visits in the near future. Your magazine provides very useful information on so many aspects of Japanese culture. It will make our next visit more interesting and worthwhile.
We particularly appreciate your magazine's regular updates on Japan-related events in Australia (notably the Japan Festival and the "Kimono - Osaka's Golden Age" Exhibition, both in Melbourne) and Australia-related events in Japan, such as the exhibition of works by Aboriginal artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye in Osaka and Tokyo. Further, since we are devoted vegequarians (vegetarians who eat fish/seafood) we welcome your magazine's extensive coverage on culinary matters. In the current winter issue we are grateful for the "Tasty tofu" creations. We tried out the recipe of pan-seared tofu steak with soy and butter sauce - it was one of the tastiest dishes we have eaten; a perfect fusion of Eastern and Western ingredients. Thank you very much.
Patrick Hutchings,
Fitzroy North, Victoria
Dear jstyle,
As a child of the 1940s I was quite surprised at the reaction I received by some of my generation, when my wife and I chose to fly with JAL to the UK via Japan a couple of years ago.
Having flown numerous airlines previously, it proved to be not only the best in our experience but was also our introduction to Japan. We were treated with the greatest courtesy and manners at all times, and the cleanliness of hotels and surroundings was impeccable.
Our only problem now is our addiction to reading jstyle and Skyward magazines to keep in touch. I am now an avid collector of ivory-and-wooden Netsuke geisha dolls and lovely pieces for our garden. We are counting the days until our return later this year for our 40th wedding anniversary.
Richard Usher,
Wilmot, NSW
Dear jstyle,
Thank you for your sugoi magazine!
I have travelled to Japan numerous times and have found your magazine indispensable. The articles in jstyle delve into the insider's view of Japanese culture and topics not usually found in ordinary travel guides. I have even made Japanese friends who have been surprised about the knowledge I have learned about their culture, from your magazine.
I particularly enjoy your articles on cuisine and the relevance of Japanese culture in Australia. jstyle has helped me discover many "oishi" eateries. I keenly await more articles on food culture and look forward to stories about ramen, Western-inspired cuisine, Japanese snack foods, Japanese pubs and train station lunch boxes. I would also like to see a story on Japanese department and convenience stores, which have helped to redefine the modern Japanese lifestyle.
I am grateful for your recent cover story about Hokkaido. It's a timely coincidence that I will soon be visiting there in June. No doubt, I will be taking a copy of your magazine with me to read on the plane. Arigato!
Terry Lau,
Collaroy, NSW
Dear jstyle,
Once you experience the warmth of Japanese hospitality and the kindness of strangers the bond just keeps growing. For me it started when I taught English to Japanese high school girls on short-stay visits to Australia organised by the Institute of International Understanding. Several visits to Japan in varying capacities since 1996 have seen me planning another visit every time I return home. In between, jstyle and books about language and culture keep me energised and interested as well as taiko lessons, which I love.
I note Julius Simo's letter in your winter edition and wish to let him know that I have recently made contact with Father Paul Glynn after reading his marvellous book, A Song for Nagasaki. The Japan Foundation, I believe, launched this book many years ago and I'm happy to say that Father Glynn is still a very active member of the Catholic community. I have sent on the latest edition of jstyle to him.
I look forward to your spring edition, which always puts a bounce in my step.
Rita Tratt,
Annandale, NSW
