AFC Women's Asian Cup Final. Its on right now. Live. Who do you think will win?

So negative this lesson! 😉

We’ve reached the end of the tournament. After weeks of voting and many delicious battles, only two dishes remain. Now it all comes down to this… 🥇 THE GRAND FINAL 🥇 🍚 Hitsumabushi vs 🥩 Jingisukan Refined Nagoya tradition versus bold northern barbeque. Only one will be crowned our community’s Favourite Japanese Food. 🍚 Hitsumabushi (ひつまぶし) A celebrated specialty from Nagoya, hitsumabushi features grilled unagi (eel) served over rice — but with a unique twist. You enjoy it in stages: First on its own, then with toppings like green onion and wasabi, finally with broth poured over to create a comforting ochazuke-style dish. Why it made the final: - Rich, smoky eel flavour - A multi-stage dining experience - Elegant and deeply traditional - A dish that feels special every time - This is layered Japanese culinary artistry. 🥩 Jingisukan (ジンギスカン) A proud specialty of Hokkaidō, jingisukan features lamb grilled on a distinctive dome-shaped metal plate. The meat cooks on top while vegetables below absorb the juices, creating a smoky, communal BBQ experience that’s perfect for sharing. Why it fought its way here: - Bold, unique lamb flavour - Social grilling experience - Strong regional identity - A dish built for gatherings This is northern Japan’s grilling pride. 🗳️ THE FINAL VOTE It all comes down to this. Which dish will be crowned Japanese Language Learners’ Favourite Japanese Food? - The elegant richness of hitsumabushi 🍚 - Or the smoky BBQ power of jingisukan 🥩 Cast your vote and make your case! Now we crown the champion. 🏆

Here are the day 7 highlights: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/sumo/tournament/202603/day7.html Day 8 will be streamed in 2 hours and 45 minutes. 🎌Sumo Fact: The Gyōji (Referee) In sumo, the referee is called a 行司 (ぎょうじ / gyōji). The gyōji stands inside the ring and directs the match, announcing the wrestlers and signalling the winner. They wear colourful traditional robes that resemble clothing from Japan’s samurai era. During the match, the gyōji shouts instructions to keep the action going. One common call is: 「はっけよい！」Hakkeyoi! Meaning something like “Keep going!” or “Fight!” If the wrestlers stop moving, the gyōji may shout: 「のこった！」Nokotta! Which means “You’re still in!” These loud calls help maintain the rhythm and intensity of a sumo bout.

Yesterday’s winner was… ひつまぶし (Hitsumabushi)! 🍚🔥Nagoya’s legendary eel dish swims into the Grand Final! That means one spot remains. Today’s battle will decide who faces Hitsumabushi in the championship match. 🔥 Japanese Food Tournament — FINAL FOUR 🔥 🍞 Shokupan vs 🥩 Jingisukan Cloud-soft comfort versus smoky northern BBQ. Only one reaches the Grand Final. 🍞 Shokupan (食パン) Soft, fluffy and gently sweet, shokupan is Japan’s beloved milk bread. Whether toasted thick with butter, turned into sandwiches or eaten fresh from the bakery, its cloud-like texture has made it a daily favourite across Japan. Why it’s still standing: - Ultra-soft, pillowy texture - Light sweetness from milk and butter - Perfect for sweet or savoury toppings - A comforting everyday staple This is simplicity perfected. 🥩 Jingisukan (ジンギスカン) A proud specialty of Hokkaidō, jingisukan is grilled lamb cooked on a distinctive dome-shaped metal plate. The meat cooks on top while vegetables absorb the juices below, creating a smoky, social BBQ experience. Why it’s a serious contender: - Unique lamb flavour - Interactive grilling experience - Strong regional identity - Perfect for gatherings with friends This is northern Japan’s grilling tradition. 🗳️ Time to Vote! Which dish will face Hitsumabushi in the Grand Final? - The cloud-soft comfort of shokupan? - Or the smoky BBQ power of jingisukan? Vote now and defend your favourite! 🍞🥩 Tomorrow… the Grand Final begins. 🏆