Society

The Story of Chef Wakiya: Navigating Life's Challenges

TOKYO, Feb 05 (News On Japan) - In December 2023, Chef Tomoyoshi Wakiya, known as the "Iron Chef of Chinese Cuisine," opened an entirely new type of Chinese restaurant in Ginza. At 65, the master of Chinese cuisine continues to embrace challenges, though he reflects on his past saying, "I was never outstanding in anything, just an ordinary person without any particular dreams." His path in culinary arts was determined by his father, a fortune teller, who believed "Tomoyoshi is accompanied by the god of food."

Embarking on a journey dedicated solely to Chinese cuisine, Wakiya struggled and persevered for 50 years to reign atop Japan's Chinese culinary world. "The key is to make a choice. Without choosing, life doesn't begin," he states, offering advice to the modern youth plagued with indecision.

This message from the "Rebel of Chinese Cuisine" serves as a prescription for young individuals wrestling with their futures, highlighting Wakiya's belief in following one's own path as the key to success.

Source: FNN

Convenience Stores Nationwide to Sell Government Rice in 1–2 kg Packs

Three major convenience store chains will soon begin selling government stockpiled rice in small packages of 1 to 2 kilograms. FamilyMart will start selling rice harvested in 2021—classified as old stock—at 20 locations in Tokyo and Osaka starting June 6th. The rice will be priced at 360 yen per kilogram, excluding tax, with plans for a nationwide rollout.

Cash Storage to Be Banned in Safe Deposit Boxes

Mitsubishi UFJ Bank and other institutions are moving to revise rules on the use of safe deposit boxes following a string of thefts, with the Japanese Bankers Association now working toward a ban on storing cash in these boxes.

Shigeo Nagashima, Symbol of Japan’s Golden Age of Baseball, Dies at 89

Shigeo Nagashima, one of Japan’s most iconic postwar figures and known as "Mr. Pro Baseball," has died at the age of 89, it was learned on June 3rd. A native of Chiba Prefecture, Nagashima helped define an era of professional baseball and became a national hero.

Japanese Nationals Killed in China in Suspected Business Conflict

Two Japanese men were killed in Dalian, northeastern China, last month, according to an announcement by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Osaka Expo: Water Plaza Likely the Source of Midge Infestation

At the Osaka-Kansai Expo site, a large outbreak of insects has raised concern, with the Expo Association announcing on June 2nd that the source is likely the water features fed by seawater located within the venue.

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