My kind of community in Dubai: Japanese

We miss the seasons
If you wish to live a long, healthy and prosperous life then you need to draw inspiration from the Japanese. As per a recent study by World Health Organization (WHO), Japanese have the longest healthy life expectancy of 74.5 years among 191 countries (and the women are said to live up to 87 years)! And, these numbers have a lot to do with their lifestyle, which revolves around eating healthy food, taking part in physical activities, staying close to nature, following traditions, and practising Zen (a Japanese variation of a school of Buddhism that opens the mind to liberated thinking and living). No wonder, whilst the Japanese expats love the diversity of Dubai they crave the well-balanced Japanese life. The Japanese expat population in the region is pretty small. "In the UAE, there are about 3,700 Japanese expats," says Masataka Sugimoto, Vice-Consul, Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai. "They are working in various fields like trading, banking, and automobile industries.
Now, Japanese business is showcasing more dynamism in operation and many Japanese companies are expressing interest in doing business in the Middle East, especially in Dubai." It is a given that the automobile industry is a land of opportunities for Japanese ex-pats - who doesn't like Japanese cars? Agrees Akira Matsuura, a builder of customised cars, "I think people in Dubai recognise the quality and magnificence of Japanese cars. I attended the first International Motor Show Abu Dhabi (March-April 2016) and noticed that the Japanese car makers were on the top of each category on display and otherwise." Technology and nature exist in harmony in Japan. A beautiful country with vast cities and rainforests - the expats in the region lament how they miss the four seasons of Japan. Think change in the colour of leaves, blooming of Cherry Blossoms, playing winter sports, et al. Mountaineering, skiing and snowboarding are a few of their favourite sports. Interestingly, they celebrate Mountain Day (August 11) to provide opportunities to the people to get familiar with mountains and appreciate its blessings. "I miss the seasons, especially because back home what we put on the plate is a reflection of what's growing around us! The Japanese palate is seasonal and delicate," says Kazuyo Fursho, who works in the event management industry. When a Japanese expat visits home, he/she carries back loads of packets of Ramen noodles. Even though, a few supermarkets in the UAE stock the instant Ramen noodles, the expats feel the brands available here are no comparison to the local Japanese ones. Also, they find the cost of fish in the region very expensive. Gourmet-Ya, DIFC, is a favourite one-stop shop with the expats.
Japanese hold their rituals, ceremonies, and special holidays in high regard. The tradition of drinking tea still holds relevance in many parts of Japan. However, the youth in Dubai share that because of their busy schedules, they are unable to follow the ritual to the T. They take pride in the fact that each of their family members (young or old) are familiar with Ikebana, the beautiful Japanese art of flower arrangement. In the city, you'll find Japanese expats unwind over good sushi and a cup of green tea. On good weather days (like these), they indulge in their share of rice porridge at Rice Creamery (043444553), City Walk.
purva@khaleejtimes.com
Japanese food is a balance between nutrition and taste
For most foodies, Japanese cuisine typically comprises sushi, sashimi, and tempura. However, a closer look at their food reveals that the cuisine has evolved into a unique culinary tradition and Japan has emerged as a much looked forward to food destination. Japan's food culture balances traditional flavours with modern influences and street side eateries with fine dining experiences. Broadly speaking, Japanese dishes can be defined under these categories - soy, meat, noodles, seafood, and of course, rice. For over 2,000 years, rice has been a significant part of Japanese cuisine. And, even though their eating patterns have changed over time, rice or rice-based dishes continue to be their staple food. Miso soup for Japanese is what coffee is to Americans. It's a hearty soup that includes a variety of vegetables, seafood and meat. A typical feature of any good Japanese dish is its balance between nutrition and taste. If it's seasonal, fresh and healthy - it will feature in the Japanese cuisine. Ramen wins the title of the most popular Japanese dish, hands down. Recently, Edamame (young soybeans cooked in their pod in salty water) has emerged as a favourite with Dubai's food enthusiasts.
Fine dining Japanese experience awaits you at Miyako (Hyatt Regency Dubai, 042096913), Okku (The H Dubai, 045018888), Nobu ( Atlantis, The Palm, 045509242), and Kyo Restaurant & Lounge (Palm Jumeirah, 045575182), amongst other places. If you are a sushi lover, you will be spoilt for choice. Umi Sushi, Sushi Counter, Yo! Sushi, and ET Sushi are just a few sushi bars in the city.
purva@khaleejtimes.com
Who doesn't love shopping at Diaso?
Three words: Quality, variety and unique-ness. Everyone has shopped at Daiso, at one time or the other. Their shelves have it all - party favours, lunchboxes, notebooks, scarves, gift wraps, crockery, Christmas trees, laundry bags, nail paints, coffee mugs, slippers, cake tins, carpentry tools, chair socks (yes, there's a thing like that), et al. The list is endless. It is a favourite store with many, and not just Japanese shoppers. USP: If it doesn't carry a price tag, assume it is for Dh7 only! What's more, they never fret - you can swipe your card for a small amount or hand them a big note for a small purchase.