31/8/2007
This news is about the scene of fireflies that can rarely be seen cities in Japan. Fireflies are beautifying the scene of evening here and there starting from dusk. Seeing numerous fireflies shine in the darkness of the night recalls past memories. They can be seen till the end of October. We would like you to have a look the scene yourself.

29/8/2007
This is famous Shwe Taung noodles from Pyay region. Flour noodles is served in little amount of chicken and coconut milk gravy. You can enjoy it with the taste you likepicy or sour. It is available not only in Pyay but also in Yangon. Why not try the tasty noodles.

27/8/2007
Japanese traditional musical intruments flute and harp will be played at a musical show that will take place on September 7. The concert, jointly sponsored by Japanese Embassy and Japan Foundation, aims at introducing Japanese culture to Myanmar people. Tickets are available free of charge at Japanese Embassy. Not only Myanmar people but also Japanese people will be able to enjoy ever refreshening Japanese culture at the concert.
Venue- Nikko Hotel
Time-15:00 to 16:30 pm

24/8/2007
Tender sales of gems took place at Gem Museum from August 21 to 26.Foreign merchants also attended the sales of gems ranging from the size of a palm to a dining table. It was very interesting. Especially, it attracted women.

22/8/2007
Famous post-modern writer Tar Yar Min Wai has passed away. The writer popular among young people was 41 when he died. He could make post-modern writing accepted among readers. It was irreplaceable loss of a gifted person. We can only pray for him that he may have a gifted life in the next existence.

20/8/2007
Mr Aki, a famous hairstylist from Tokyo, paid a visit to Myanmar and he demonstrated hairstyling at Labonita Beauty Saloon in Thuwunna only on August 16. He is also a contributor to a magazine and he will write about his experiences all over the world including Myanmar. Although there are a lot of beauty saloons in Yangon, the gap of beautifying technology between Yangon and Japan is rather wide. I can't help praising his skills that enabled him to finely finish an attractive hairstyle that went well with the client in a short time. Spectators can guess his mastery. The cheapest scissors he used reportedly cost 80,000 Yen while the most expensive ones cost 180,000 Yen. They can be said to be expensive even with Japanese standard. It is hoped that the technology of Myanmar hairstylists will develop.

17/8/2007
Another ban that follows prohibiting of smoking at Shwedagon Pagodaplatform is on chewing betel. This ban is welcome by foreigners as
well as local people. Red liquid spat everywhere is an eyesore and unpleasant thing. But there are still people who love chewing betel.But, it is likely to put restriction on chewing betel gradually.

15/8/2007
IHBC (International Health and Beauty Centre) has been opened on August 12. Internal and external operations, gynaecology and dental surgery can be conducted securely and conveniently. I can't say for sure that it could be some help for Myanmar people who couldn't set their mind at peace for lack technology and support. I hope this centre to become a place that can save valuable lives. The centre can be said to be a place where foreigners can have medical treatment safely and conveniently.

13/8/2007
Regarding Myanmar cuisines, Japanese people usually think that they are oily and that they do not enjoy them very much. But, today recipe is Rakhine pork curry with little oil and Mawlamyaing chicken curry .

Rakhine pork curry
First, pound garlic, onion and ginger. And knead them with chopped pork. Cook them as they are on the oven for five minutes. Then, add a little vinegar and water 20 ml. Then heat it till it boils. Put some corianders to enhance the smell and stir for a while. After five minutes, remove the pot from the oven. Now, we got delicious Rakhine Pork dish.

Mawlamyaing chicken curry
Add pounded garlic and onions into heated oil. Then, put chilli and chopped chicken kneaded with salt and turmeric. Afterwards, cook it on the oven for about five minutes till sweet smell comes out. Next, add Acacia leaves and some water. After cooking for 15 minutes, we can get Mawlamyaing chicken curry which tastes a bit sour and delicious.

10/8/2007
Salad is called Athoke in Myanmar language. But, today recipe is more significant dried fish salad. First, wash small dried fish and filter water. Slice onions. Cook them in oil. Pound green chili and garlic. When all ingredients are ready, mix the dried fish with pounded chili and garlic. The salad which tastes sour and spicy is ready to serve after adding fried sliced onion, some salt and a squeeze of lime. It is a good match for beer.

8/8/2007
As Kanazou (Baccaurea sapida) come into season now, they are being sold all over the city. Although they taste like lychees, they are a bit sourer. We would like you to try some during your visit to Myanmar because they can hardly be seen in Japan. Please note that it will cause stomach upset if you overeat them.

6/8/2007
The tomb of actor Dwe who passed away last month has been built. Although it was not publicly announced, we were able to take a photo of it. An image of the actor was made on the tomb in which the bones of him were enshrined. The actor was one of devotees who pay respects to the Head monk of Chaung Wa Monastery. We also received a photo of Dwe from the monk. People feel sorry for his death because he was only 42 when he passed away.

3/8/2007
May Myo (Pyin Oo Lwin) is full of colours with beautiful plants and flowers. This is a small shop which sells various kinds of flowers and seedlings of vegetables and seeds. Various kinds of strange plants can also be seen. Plants have their meaning as in Japan. For example, Ai La Gamoun literally means a kind herb that brings guests home. The habit of decorating living rooms, bedrooms and garden with this kind of plants is in vogue. Growing of beautiful plants at private gardens and public parks are gaining popularity in Myanmar recently.

1/8/2007
Platform of Shwedagon Pagoda has been prescribed as a tobacco-free zone since July 29, the full-moon day of Waso. Anti-smoking campaigns has been accelerated all over the world and in Myanmar too. There is still no ban on betel here in Myanmar. Even Myanmar people show their dislike for random spitting of red liquid, let alone foreigners. Chewing betel probably be banned in the future.

By Nishigaki Mitsuru