Yesterday’s winner was… ジンギスカン (Jingisukan)! 🥩 🔥Hokkaidō’s smoky grill storms into the Final Four! And now… the Final Four begins. Every dish left standing has survived multiple rounds. From here, every vote is huge. 🔥 Japanese Food Tournament — FINAL FOUR 🔥 🍤 Tempura vs 🍚 Hitsumabushi Crispy culinary craftsmanship versus rich Nagoya tradition. Only one reaches the Grand Final. 🍤 Tempura (天ぷら) Light, airy and perfectly crisp, tempura is one of Japan’s most famous dishes. Seafood and vegetables are coated in delicate batter and fried quickly so the natural flavours shine through. When done well, it’s crispy but never heavy. Why it’s a championship contender: - Golden, crunchy perfection - Elegant technique and balance - Loved both in Japan and around the world - Works with prawn, vegetables and seafood alike This is precision you can taste. 🍚 Hitsumabushi (ひつまぶし) A specialty from Nagoya, hitsumabushi is grilled unagi (eel) served over rice — but enjoyed in stages. First as-is. Then with toppings like green onion and wasabi. Finally with broth poured over to create a comforting tea-style finish. Why it’s still standing: - Rich, smoky grilled eel flavour - A multi-stage dining experience - Strong regional pride - Feels special and celebratory This is tradition layered with flavour. 🗳️ Time to Vote! Who reaches the Grand Final? - The golden crunch of tempura? - Or the rich Nagoya experience of hitsumabushi? Cast your vote and defend your favourite! 🍤🍚 The championship is getting close…

Hello everybody! I have a few tips to share for learning and remembering hiragana and katakana in just 4-5 days perfectly. I use an app called 'Anki', and it is extremely useful ---and free (not for iOS) --- if you use the correct decks. There are lots of decks, so you need to research for the correct one, but I'll make life easier for you. Hiragana: Tofugu Hiragana Anki Deck Katakana: Tofugu Hiragana Anki Deck To use this deck, you can go to ankiweb.net for windows, play store for android, and app store for Apple (paid version). Instructions for windows (Cuz I use this) Sign up/log in and go to the 'Decks section'. At the bottom of this page the is the 'Get Shared Decks' button. Press that and at the top left search the name of the deck, click on the title of the deck, and somewhere on the bottom you find the download button. The click open file once finished. Click import on the new window that opens and start learning. p.s. If you want to create your own deck or learn how to use the app more effectively then use a YouTube video.

Yesterday’s winner was… 食パン (Shokupan)! 🍞🔥 Soft, fluffy bakery perfection rises to the next round! Today’s matchup is a fried food showdown… 🔥 Japanese Food Tournament — Round 2 Matchup 🔥 🥩 Tonkatsu vs 🍗 Karaage Golden cutlet versus crispy chicken. Only one moves on. 🥩 Tonkatsu (とんかつ) A thick pork cutlet coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried until perfectly golden and crunchy. Served with shredded cabbage, rice, miso soup and rich tonkatsu sauce, this dish is hearty, satisfying and a staple of Japanese set meals. Why it is competitive this round: Crunchy outside, tender inside Deeply satisfying comfort food A full meal experience A classic restaurant favourite This is golden indulgence. 🍗 Karaage (唐揚げ) Juicy chicken marinated in soy sauce, garlic and ginger, then fried to crispy perfection. Whether served at festivals, in bento boxes or as a snack with friends, karaage is one of the most loved comfort foods in Japan. Why it’s a serious contender: Crispy, juicy perfection Bold savoury flavour Easy to snack on and share A universal crowd-pleaser This is irresistible fried chicken done the Japanese way. 🗳️ Time to Vote! Which one moves forward? The crispy pork powerhouse tonkatsu? Or the juicy fried favourite karaage? Vote now and defend your favourite! 🥩🍗 Round 2 is getting deliciously brutal.