20 Comments
Aug 21, 2023Liked by Emiko Davies

I just love that you can tuck an audio note in here. What a beautiful story! ❤️

I have not ever had a Japanese breakfast, and I think it would be a stretch for me--but I think my daughter would love it. She happily polishes off last night’s leftover fish at breakfast and loves strong, savory and salty flavors best.

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Aug 21, 2023·edited Aug 21, 2023

I have had a couple of fancy japanese breakfasts (I spent a year in Tokyo for college and lived in a dorm and breakfast was unmemorable). Once was a special treat from my (Japanese) mom, where we stayed at a nice ryokan (in Sendai, maybe?) but I was 16 and horrified at all the beautiful food because I just wanted western style breakfast. I still am sad that I didn’t enjoy that one. I had a far more humble Japanese breakfast that college year, when I stayed at a little inn somewhere in the mountains, and that time, I could really savor all the lovely little dishes. Otsukemono, rice, miso soup, fish and maybe sweet potato? Really hearty and filling and such a beautiful spread. Such fond memories

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I am forever trying to get other people on savory, Japanese breakfast. And then I forget about it and surrender to pancakes and waffles and yogurt bowls; this came right on time. Going to boil rice and slice some seaweed for tomorrow.

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Arigato gozaimasu

Emilko, your audio note made me smile and laugh, we had a similar experience at dinner our last night staying in a traditional inn at Shimoda. The food was amazing and delicious, the breakfasts will always be memorable, one of many fabulous experiences of our recent holiday in Japan. I would like to be able to purchase your book in Australia! I have to find all the ingredients and the recipes to recreate the miso soup, pickles, tofu, fish and vegetable dishes we enjoyed so much. Those kaseiki meals set us up for long days of walking and exploring all the fascinating sights. We are convinced we have never felt more energised or healthy despite having a very healthy western style diet. We hope to return again soon. Our Japan holiday was the best 60th birthday present! Definitely recommend to anyone visiting Japan to stay in the traditional inns as often as possible, they were the highlights of our Japan stay.

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I’m so excited for this book. I’ve had Japanese brekky at Cibi here in Melbourne. I loved it, loved the variety and generosity of the meal whilst still fresh and hearty all at once.

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Aug 22, 2023·edited Aug 22, 2023Liked by Emiko Davies

Just pre-ordered the book via Malaprop's, our local bookseller.

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This post was like a hug! I absolutely loved reading it; thank you for sharing.

Japanese recipes are far and away some of my favorites. I did not know much about Japanese breakfasts but now am excited to learn more and hopefully prepare my own.

Excited for your book!

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I just preordered and I'm so excited for this book. My daughter is going to love it too!

xo, @cornelia.craft

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You have a lovely voice, Emiko! That audio note was everything. Thanks for that snippet. I went through a phase of only eating Tamago Kake Gohan for breakfast and I shall return to that phase by way of your beautiful book. Very much need to expand my repertoire of Japanese classics so this couldn't come at a better time.

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Although it is not common in Europe to have such a big meal for breakfast, I do wake up very hungry, so I would love to try Japanese breakfast! (Just the thought of having stores selling freshly baked tofu... And I am yet to try natto! Not sure if I would like it, but I love trying new foods and it actually looks very good.)

I'm excited about your book - although I haven't tried much Japanese everyday food (unfortunately it's not so easy to find in restaurants here), I believe it would be very special and inspiring!

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I loved reading this article. I am Japanese living outside Japan, and it gave me a nostalgia of my obaachan, too. These days, our breakfast is normally omelets & bread, something rather simple and quick. But your article made me wonder if I could introduce some of traditional vibe, even occasionally, to our breakfast table.

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Oct 7, 2023Liked by Emiko Davies

Having recently returned from a 2 week solo journey in Japan, I share your reverence for Japanese breakfast. It was the surprise of the trip how much I enjoyed and looked forward to starting my day, slowly, with this beautiful combination of foods. I’m now on the hunt in London for the perfect Japanese pickles.

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