Sticky rice and seaweed, recipe for longer life

This restaurant in Chennai has always missed my eye. For one it was in a area I do not request and most importantly when I google for top Japanese restaurants Fuji Japanese restaurant does not top the list. So when I visited the place today, it was pleasant surprise. The interiors for me brought the…

About Popeye, poster boy for Spinach and more

Entertainment, especially movies and even cartoons including Japanese animations, sometimes make so deep an impression that it creates new habits and routines. So what do I mean by that? When I was a kid, I loved watching the cartoon Popeye the sailor man. In the series Popeye is bullied by the beefy villain Bluto, especially…

Curious case of cultural similarities between Tamil and Japanese societies

Even as a kid I loved Tamils and their culture. I could forget myself in the story of Silappathikaram and Tholkappiyam. I dreamt of living during the time when valiant Cholas emperors reigned the South. It is during their period thousands of temples renowned for their superior architecture materialised. The big temple in Thanjavur is a testimony…

For Indians, travelling is still a luxury

Travelling around the world and seeing the wonders the world has to offer. Isn’t that something everybody wants? We Indians are no different, at least people like you and me want to see more of what the world has to offer. So, we make a list of countries we want to visit. We browse through…

Japanese Omiai structure in Tamils’ arranged marriages

Arranged marriages. It is not an uncommon event in India whereas it is mostly non-existent in most parts of the world. Though arranged marriages were a norm in most countries, back in 18 or 19th century, it is such a rare sight now a days that it raises eyebrows in many cultures when they hear…

Back in ancient Anatolia and Egypt, manga style

When I was in school of all the subjects I loved history, especially world history, the most. I would read school text as if it were a novel and try to imagine what it would like to live in those times. Sadly, history syllabus in a government school barely covered what was considered basics. I…

Russian Winter Palace in Chennai

Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg, Russia was once the official residence of Russian monarchs first built in 1700s. Architecture of the palace resembled that of its European counterparts in the Petrine Baroque style in shades of white and green that resembled snow. So why am I talking about some palace in Russia? You could say…

Ponniyin Selvan, Kalki’s epic novel that eluded film-makers for decades

Ponniyin Selvan, the masterpiece of genius Tamil writer Kalki, has charmed thousands in Tamil Nadu and across the world. The book that follows the story of the Chola king Raja Raja Cholan and his friend Vandhiyadevan transpires in Chola’s capital Thanjavur, yesteryear Thanjai. Spanning five volumes, it pulls the audience into the web of political…

Perception of women in cinema vs reality

It is International Woman’s Day alright. You can give flowers, distribute chocolates and even send ‘Happy Women’s Day’ forwards to women in your contact list. Then what? You sleep and go on as usual. Nothing much changes and the routine gets boring. Man, how many times do you want us to read those same old…

Logan, one last time

Sense of loss overwhelms me as I saw Logan, the last movie where Hugh Jackman will appear as Wolverine in Marvel’s X-men series, today. I will no more see Jackman donning the role of the mysterious and hotheaded Logan. It is hard to let go of the character I have been seeing for over a decade…

Love in the time of Austen and Bronte sisters

I reread Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen for the third time last week. As always, could not help but fall in love with Mr Darcy for the third time. He is not perfect; handsome and rich yes, but not perfect. Yet, when he confesses to Elizabeth Bennet: “In vain I have struggled. It will…

Japanese cuisine, Teppan style

Teppan is the third Japanese restaurant I have tried in Chennai. Given that it is a Japanese restaurant, vegetarian options were limited and the price was on a higher side. It costs close to Rs 2300 for two people. But the place was cosy and ambiance was good. So  I think I will let it…