Boy’s Day with Ninjas 忍者クラスで子供の日

Every year, May 5th is Children’s Day holiday in Japan, also known as Boys’ Day.  I had an opportunity to do a 5 min presentation at the dōjō last week.  Budō always faces life and death.  I explained how sword resembling iris leaves “shōbu” are punned with other meanings of “shōbu,” respect for budō, and a match fight.  I really hope someday the ninjas get to see the carps flying in the blue sky on a fine spring day of May in Japan.

At home, I made warrior hat apple pie pockets with my daughter.  Those came out yummy except that the skin were too hard to comfortably chew.  I wonder if I let it bake too long or the egg wash was a mistake on spring roll skins.  I shall try again next year with a different recipe.

I also found Boys’ Day Michigan treats wrapped in oak leaf for wishing prosperity. Matcha goes well.

５月５日の子供の日にちなんで、先週は忍術の道場で5分間のプチプレゼンをさせて頂きました。武道は常に生死と隣り合わせ。そんな皆さんに「菖蒲」に掛けた「尚武」「勝負」の意味や刀に似た葉から連想される強さなどを説明させて頂きました。日本特有の大空に雄々しくなびく鯉のぼりもいつかは見て頂きたい。

そして家では娘と春巻きの皮で兜アップルパイ作り。オーブンで焼きすぎたのか？卵を塗るべきではなかったのか？皮がパリパリすぎて食べるのに苦労しましたが、お味はグー。また来年も挑戦してみます。

柏餅もお抹茶と共に。ふふふ。私のおやつ。