Adventure the best art exhibitions in Tokyo in winter

If you are in Japan this winter, there are a huge number of excellent exhibitions providing opportunities to enjoy Japanese art from a variety of perspectives. Traditional Japanese craft, retrospectives of Japanese masters, the impact of catastrophe on art, and international artists influenced by Japan, all are subjects for this winter’s exhibitions both in Tokyo and beyond.

Exotic x Modern: French Art Deco and Inspiration from Afar

Focusing on the Art Deco movement of inter-war France and its influences from Non-European countries, this is a niche but far-reaching exhibition. A period of discovery, the era included the opening of Tutankhamun’s tomb, the Ballet Russe’s appearance and the travels of Josephine Baker. The cultural crossover of different nations thanks to expositions and recorded expeditions was key in forming the designs of the era, all of which are explored in this exhibition. From fashion to interior design, the pieces displayed offer an insight into the adoption of styles, colours and images from further afield and their inclusion in one of the most recognizable styles of the 20th century.

Entry:
Adults:
Advance sales: ¥960
On the door: ¥1,200
Students:
Advance sales: ¥760
On the door: ¥960
Over 65s:
Advance sales: ¥480
On the door: ¥600

Munch: A Retrospective

Best known for his piece The Scream, Edvard Munch is one of the great names of art and this touring exhibition is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for art lovers in Tokyo. See 60 oil paintings as well as prints and additional pieces from throughout his career. One of the highlights of the exhibition will be the first Japanese appearance of the tempera and oil version of The Scream (one of several versions) from the Munch Museum Collection. Advance tickets can be purchased online and will knock off ¥200 on the ticket price.

Entry: ¥1,600 (adults), ¥1,300 (students), ¥1,000 (seniors), ¥600 (HS students)

Rubens and the Birth of the Baroque

Pioneering a new style in the 17th century, Rubens was highly influential in introducing the world to the development of the Flemish Baroque movement. This exhibition focuses on his relationship with Italy, previously the home of the Renaissance style. There will be a combination of Ruben’s works as well as ancient sculptures and pieces by Italian artists from the era and it will be the largest collection of his works ever exhibited in Japan.

Entry: ¥1,600 (adults), ¥1,200 (students), ¥800 (HS Students)

Tokyographie

This offshoot event is a great chance to see some of the best works form the annual Tokyographie event held in Japan’s ancient capital. An international photography exhibition, it has been running for six years but this is the first time it has visited Tokyo.

This year’s theme is Up, a focus on personal impetus and an attempt to move away from the many weights of modern society. The exhibition will be held at different venues including Fujifilm Square, Institut français du Japon, Chanel Nexus House and smaller galleries. Artists to look out for include Jean Paul Goude, Tadashi Ono and Masahisa Fukase.

Entry: Free

Read more: 5 snow festivals to attend in Japan

Catastrophe and the Power of Art

Earthquakes, terrorist attacks and financial crises, disasters and catastrophes never fail to provoke unique and compelling responses from artists around the world. Whether they aim to express grief, promote change or just serve as a reminder of the events, all take a personal and subjective take on global events. This striking exhibition features a collection of installations, sculptures and images from Japanese and international artists as they offer their take on personal and national catastrophes.

Entry: ¥1,800 (adults), ¥1,500 (seniors), ¥1,200 (students), ¥600 (JHS students and children)

Source TokyoCheapo

All about Tempeh, Indonesia's nation food

Tempeh is a popular food in Indonesia, but do you know what exactly it is about? Take a look at this article to find out more about it.

1. What is tempeh?

Tempeh is a soy-based meat alternative. It’s made from whole soy beans which are softened by soaking. Then they’re cooked, slightly fermented and formed into a firm patty or block.

And actually, while tempeh is traditionally made with soybeans, it can actually be made with any type of bean, like black beans, black-eyed peas, and chickpeas. Some kinds of tempeh also include grains, like brown rice, barley or millet, or seeds.

2. Is tempeh the same as tofu?

No! While tempeh and tofu are both high protein meat alternatives made from soy, they’re actually totally different from one another.

The first big difference is that tempeh is minimally processed using whole soybeans, while tofu is made by coagulating soy milk, then pressing the curd into blocks. Tofu has a soft texture, and is sold in varying degrees of firmness, from silken to extra firm. Meanwhile, tempeh is hearty and firm with a varied texture from the whole soybeans.

Also, the texture and flavor of these products are nothing alike. Tempeh has a much stronger flavor than tofu. It’s savory and nutty, and many people describe it as having an earthy, mushroom-y taste. Tofu, on the other hand only has a subtle flavor and is pretty bland.

3. What does tempeh taste like?

Tempeh is firm and textured with a savory, nutty taste. If you don’t care for tofu and its soft, sometimes rubbery texture, consider trying tempeh. It has a completely different texture and taste.

4. Where to find tempeh

You can buy tempeh in any health food store, as well as most grocery stores. Look for it in the refrigerated section, near where tofu and meat alternative products are sold. You can also make your own tempeh at home!

5. How to eat tempeh

Tempeh is a super versatile food, and there’s no shortage of ways to eat it. Use tempeh the same way you would any type of meat or tofu — as a burger, in salads, stir fries, soups and stews.

Before we get to the cooking, keep in mind that since tempeh is firm, it’s best to slice it into thin slices or cubes before preparing it.

To add more flavor, consider marinating the tempeh before cooking. Tempeh is commonly sliced thin then pan-fried or grilled, until the edges are crispy. It can also be baked, steamed, crumbled into soups and stews, or added into stir-fries.

See more: 8 Indonesian snacks you must try before leaving

Source: thekitchn

Avoiding these things when traveling to Myanmar

As tourism starts to gain traction in this extraordinary but unassuming part of South East Asia, here are some essential things to know before you travel to Myanmar.

Avoid using your left hand

If you travel to Myanmar, you need to remember this rule that is always using your right hand when picking up the food, or taking the items because the left hand is a vulgar, unclean part of the body. While eating, the Burmese will always use their right hand, not their left. In their conception, the left hand is used to do the daily personal hygiene things, so it is definitely not used for eating.

Do not wear shoes in pagodas or temples

In Myanmar, when coming to temples and pagodas, visitors should leave their shoes or slippers (including socks) outside before entering. This act, first of all, is to show your respect for the spiritual destinations and is to keep the sanctuaries clean. Local people are devout Buddhists, that is why wearing shoes or slippers in the sanctuaries is considered a disrespectful act.

Do not ride a motorbike in the city center of Yangon

This is actually a law. Motorbikes are supposedly banned in the main parts of Yangon for safety reasons. This may take some getting used to since most other major hubs in the region allow the use of motorized bikes. Motorbikes and electric scooters can be ridden in townships on the outskirts of Yangon as well as in other cities.

Do not forget to bring toilet paper

Toilet paper is not always an option in public restrooms throughout Myanmar, so be sure to pack some tissues if this is a necessity. Sprayers or ‘bum guns’ are usually available to help rinse after going to the bathroom. In less populated parts of Burma, it is more common to see an area near the toilet bowl or squat toilet filled with water, and a smaller dish to help with flushing and cleansing.

Avoid expressing feelings excessively in public

As a nation with a majority of the population is Buddhist, in Myanmar, people do not accept embracing, expressing feelings excessively in public places.

Do not point someone’s foot

Similar to touching the head, the act of pointing to the foot of anyone or anything, especially the foot of the Buddha statue in Myanmar, is considered to be extremely rude. Because the feet are the most vulgar part of the body. In addition, when coming to this country, you should not put your foot on the furniture.

Do not walk before looking all ways

When crossing a road in Myanmar make sure to look both ways, even when crosswalks are present. Drivers do not necessarily yield for pedestrians, and it is not uncommon to also have to dodge bikers and trishaws while walking across busy intersections.

Likewise, as Myanmar is in the height of a rapid, exciting transformation, many parts of cities are literally construction zones. Walkways tend to be uneven or even riddled with holes. Keep an eye on the path ahead and look all ways, always.

Read more: Top things to do when traveling to Myanmar

Source Internet