Happy New Year, 2004!

 This year, 2024 is,

Year of the Dragon🐉

It's cool!

But here's the illustration for the shop's calendar.

Click on it to enlarge it.

We hope it makes you feel warm and smily.

First of all, I would like to wish those who have suffered disasters and accidents since New Year's Day in Japan a speedy recovery and a little bit of life back to normal. We extend our condolences to those who have lost loved ones.

Even from within Japan, the infrastructure has collapsed and aid is not reaching us, so I think we will have to wait a little longer for aid from overseas. The Noto Peninsula and the surrounding coastal areas of Japan were one of the places I wanted to travel to, partly because of the opening of the Shinkansen bullet train. I made up my mind that I would definitely go there when the areas recover, while making a small donation now.

Thinking about this makes me think more and more that I need to travel to Japan soon. My hometown, Kobe, has also recovered after the earthquake, but the old, coasy downtown of Kobe has gone. The earthquake reconstruction has improved the earthquake resistance and safety, but on the other hand, I feel that my favourite Japanese townscape of the Showa era is now only in my memory.

I suddenly realise that this year will be 30 years since I came to the UK. With the help of everyone around me, my children have grown up and my youngest is reaching the age of 18.

I hope to be able to pass on to the younger generation what I have been helped with. Life goes around. I never forget to be grateful and thankful.

I guess this is my resolution for this year.

So, I look forward to seeing you again this year.

Brighton WaCafe an-an, Noriko

New Year's Day 2024
on the 8th.(a week late💦)

Community Party at Japanese garden at Hammersmith Park

Thank you to all those who came to yesterday's event at Hammersmith Park.

I found leftovers of the last batch of Mizu Yokan I made at the last minutes and I was rewarding myself.

It was fun to talk to all kinds of people in a relaxed atmosphere as it was a community festival.

Thank you to all the customers who told me how delicious the food was. Your comments are my driving force 💓.

Last year we sold out in a little over an hour, so this time we tried our best and brought 2.5 times as many wagashi as last year, but they really sold out in 2.5 hours.

The photo above was borrowed from the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Society.

I had asked my husband to take lots of photos, but once we started, I couldn't move for a long time and concentrated on packing the boxes.

I feel really sorry for the customers who had to wait in line and ran out of Japanese sweets. The people from the Japan Society are planning to organise some kind of event in the near future! We hope they will come up with something soon! We'll leave it at that.

I was worried about the rain forecast, which had come out just before the event, but it only sprinkled a little. Finally, I returned home to Brighton with a dazzling sunset.

Now, let's do our best to get the laundry and washing up done.

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Cafe an-an will be taking a week's Summer holiday from tomorrow. The next working day will be Tuesday 14, from 9am. Please note that we will be open from 9.00am on Tuesday 15.

🙇‍♀️

July Newsletter

Half of the year is now over and we hope you are enjoying this summer free from Corona.

an-an now has plans to pitch a stall at fairs and markets after so many years of absence. It's Japanese confectionery, Wagashi again. We are excited as we stearing the anko (bean paste) full of a huge sauce pan.

This Saturday, 8 July, I will hold a stall at the Summer Festival at Maeda Gakuen, a kindergarten ground in Acton, London.

If you are in the area, please drop by.

There will be a raffle and the prizes are amazing.

We will also have a stall at the Japanese Garden Festival in Hammersmith Park, Shepherd's Bush, London, on 6 August. This is organised by the Japanese Consulate and the London Japan Society and there will be lots of family activities to take part in. It's just a short walk from Westfield Shopping Centre, so please come along if you fancy.

Well, let's get on with this month!

My first ever football match! (what an eventfull night!!!)

Yes, I've lived in the UK for 28 years and this was my first time.

I finally got to watch my local Premier League team, Brighton Albion, play a football match at the Amex Studios!

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It all started when cafe regular Ms I said, "I have one ticket left over and I'm looking for someone to go with me. Are you interested?"  She also said it was because the match last September was postponed due to the death of Queen Elizabeth.

In fact, I've always wanted to see him play in person one day, as I was fortunate enough to have a connection with the support team of Mr. Mitoma and even received a signed uniform from him! However, Brighton Albion is strong this year and their popularity was exploding, and there were various restrictions on buying tickets. Moreover, the games were only at weekends and they were all sold out.

When I had half given up, I thought it was fate. It's true. The kick-off was at 7.30pm on a weekday night when I can just close the café and go to the stadium. I did not think another opportunity like this!

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As the day got closer, I found out that the match was a derby against A23's arch-rivals Crystal Palace, and everyone I spoke to said, "The first match you ever see in your life is a derby match, isn't that amazing?" and laugh bitterly. As I heard about the 'more things' in the past, I was reminded of what so-called British hooliganism is all about. It all ends with, "Well, that was an old story, though."

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On the day of the event, Chris, another regular who lives near the café, and his two sons agreed to go with us, so we met in front of the café to catch a train from the station, which was a minute's walk away. The first train was already full and we couldn't get on, so we took the next train down to Brighton station.

I was stunned.

There was already a long queue and we couldn't even get close to the platform for the train to the nearest station to the Amex Stadium. Anyway, there were police officers everywhere. And they are very heavily armed. I began to realise the seriousness of the situation.

Chris looked into my face and said, "This isn't usually like this. Normally you can change trains quickly and there aren't this many policemen."  I gradually understood the meaning of the smile one the previous day.

Brighton station was split up so that Palace fans and Albion fans didn't have to face each other. You'd think they were all happily singing Chant, but then it would escalate and end up in an abusive Chant that put down the Palace side. I did not want to see any Palace fans here. Chris was trying desperately  to stop his two sons to join the Chant while he looked after us not to get lost. I was soooo glad this English gentleman was with us. Otherwise... we did not make to the Stadium. 

And there was a moment when I felt this situation with nostalgy. What was it? What was it? This group of complete strangers, queuing up towards a single aim, crammed into a crowded train, and yet still happily engaged in conversation each other.

Ahhhh... It's Comicon. I thought that people are really same when it comes to the things they like. All were happy, anyway.

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Well, when I got to the stadium, watched over by a queue of police officers, it was already 10 minutes into the game started. After an hour and 15 minutes of queuing at Brighton station, Chris's face was so pale when he realised the train wasn't going to make it... It was unlucky. I really thought there was going to be a riot. Then we were lucky nothing happened.

It was hard to find our seats, so I just sat down in empty seats and said, "Oh, there's Mr. Mitoma over there", and when I pointed to him, he suddenly assisted in front of the goal. And just like that, Mr. March...

Goooooooaled!

The timing was so good that Mis I and I were screaming with joy for a while. It was so cool that we didn't mind going home at this point! It made our day! We believed that they were waiting for us. Thank you! 

After that, a lot of things happened during the game: there were two explosions from the Palace cheering side and a lot of smoke, the rain was getting heavier and heavier, and all the players were slipping and sliding around (including Mr. Mitoma...). There were two power cuts, and when the referee sent all the players back to the bench immediately after the second power cut. "Will be there going to be another replay? With a lead?" But the game resumed five minutes later. I was relieved.

Despite all that happened, the players continued to play the match perfectly. They were really good!

In the end, after 10 minutes of extra time, Albion won the game. Yay!

Oh, I forgot to mention that I brought a chicken cutlet (勝つ Katsu＝Win)Futomaki Sushi from my lunch box to watch the game for good luck. It might have worked? (lol)

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After the game, as I had expected to queue to get on the train again under the watchful eyes of a large crowd of police officers. The rain didn't bother us. Even Chant, sung in a loud, droning voice, sounds like a scene from a musical. However, it always ended with the F-word, after all💦.　

An eventful first football match for me was an unforgettable experience.

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Thank you, Mis I, for giving me such a rare opportunity.

Thank you Chris & his two sons for leading and taking me there like gentlemen from start to finish.

And to all the Albion players, thank you for making my first viewing with a victory.

It was fun!

April Newsletter

 

Hello. I'm Kokoto, who is tired of Easter.

Wow, that's so ugly! It's like the owner's face when she's just waken up💦

  It's spring, isn't it? In the UK, the magnolias have started to fall and the cherry blossoms have started to bloom.

We took a holiday in the first week of April and I was thinking about how we can continue this café.

While thinking about it, I planted the plants that had been given or discounted from various places over the past year into planters in the café's front garden.

 I didn't get to the daffodils in time, but I did manage to get the cherry blossoms in time. After this, the azarea will bloom. What I want now are flowers that bloom from summer to autumn. Preferably perennials.

Bamboos in July and hydrangeas in August are coming up. We will continue to look for discounted potted plants at garden centres and supermarkets and rescue them.

Please support an-an Garden... or rather an-an!

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Events in April

2-10th April Café closed for Easter holidays.

11th New structure and opening for business! (see details below)

13th Okonomiyaki Night (for sure) 5.30-8pm (last orders).

16th an-an's calligraphy club (go here for guidelines).

20th Okonomiyaki Night (phone reservations now being taken)*.

25th Language Exchange Okonomiyaki Night (applications will be sent out at a later date)

27th Okonomiyaki Night (phone reservations now being accepted)*

*If reservations for Okonomiyaki Night are not received by the day before, the event may be cancelled. Please make sure to book by phone before coming. *

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April sweets

We have a wide range of cherry blossom sweets waiting for you.

Cherry blossom mille crepe ￡3.50 a slice

Cherry blossom sweet bean paste and green tea cream are sandwiched between cherry blossom-coloured crepes. Of course, you can also eat the pickled cherry blossom on top. Made with gluten-free flour. This cake contains Egg and dairy produccts.

Cherry blossom matcha shortcake ￡3.50 a slice

Matcha and azuki bean cream shortcake with cherry blossom encrusted nishikidama on top. No gelatine used. Contains flour, eggs and dairy products.

Sakura mochi ￡2.50 per piece

Kansai-style sakura mochi, Domyoji Style. Salted leaves can be eaten or peeled off as you like.

Three-coloured Dango￡2.00 each.

The mugwort has not yet been harvested due to the weather, so please wait a little longer; we should have it from Namayasai around mid-April...

Kusatsu Daifuku, 1 piece ￡1.80.

This will also be made as soon as the mugwort arrives. Please wait a little longer.

Black bean daifuku ￡2.00 each

Until the Kusa Daifuku starts, we will be making this Daifuku. Fluffy cooked black beans are mixed into the rice cake. This contains soya beans.

Kashiwa mochi (koshi-an, grass-grain-an, misoan) ￡2.50 each

This year, Tango no Sekku (Kodomo no Hi) seems to coincide with the Colonation Ceremony. So sales will start a little earlier. Kashiwa Mochi is wrapped in oak leaves, which are believed to bring prosperity to offspring. It might be a good idea to eat it to pray for the future prosperity of the British royal family. Kashiwa mochi with miso bean paste contains soya beans.

Koshi-an Daifuku and Dorayaki (Koshi-an, Tsubu-an and Matcha-an) are always available, but in limited quantities. If you want to buy more than five, it is advisable to make a reservation in advance.

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We are now open for business under a new structure!

That said, not much will change.

*We will no longer have a morning set, but we will be able to serve onigiri (rice balls) and sandwiches in the morning. The much-requested morning set may reappear in the Weekly Special Lunch!

*Drinks and sandwiches will remain at the same price as well as futomaki rolls.

Sushi and Onigiri will also be available in the display for immediate takeaway.

*Only one Weekly Special Lunch will be available. Please note that only one Weekly Special Lunch will be available.

That's all.

We are always trying to make the café a pleasant place for everyone to spend time. We are always helped by the warm words and smiles of our customers. Thank you very much.

March Newster... Belated！

Peach Festival is over and spring is in full swing... but even the crocuses are shivering in the cold spring rain (or snow in some regions?!).

When I realised, it's already in the middle of March!!! 
We made the Nerikiri for the Peach Festival and it was so well received that... we worked too hard💦.

In spring, there are many kinds of Japanese sweets, and I end up making too many, but I hope you enjoy them.

It's a little late, but here's a little showin off.

The origami in the photo is currently lined up by the window. They are bunnies for this year's zodiac sign, and they are a gift from the members of SOFT (Sussex Origami Folding Team)💓 At the end of last year, they were featured in the national newspaper, The Mail on Sunday, for their monthly activity at an-an. I had asked this Team person to do an origami workshop this month, but due to my circumstances I missed the opportunity.

We'll be holding another workshop at a later date, so stay tuned! At the same time, new origami creations will be displayed here and there in the café each time. Please take a moment to admire them while you have a cup of tea. They are all very cute.

Please click the image to read the article.

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First of all, we would like to inform you that.

We will be taking a spring break from 2 to 10 April. An-an is a café made up of housewives, so when the family is at home, the main thing we have to do is cook rice for the family. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

On Sunday 2 April, a Japanese sweets workshop is planned. 
We will give priority to applications from people who have registered with the Anan Japan Art Club, so if you are interested in joining the Art Club, please register with us.

Further details will be announced here and on Facebook at Events.

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Sweets in March

Ume no Ka ￡2.00

A cute Japanese sweet made with white bean paste slightly salted with plum vinegar and wrapped in a pink rice cake. (till Ohigan, Spring equinox).

Uguisumochi ￡2.00

Koshi An (sweet red bean paste) wrapped in Gyuhi (soft Mochi) and covered with a generous amount of fragrant green soybean flour.

Sakura mochi ￡2.50

Also known as 'Domyoji', this is a Kansai-style sakura mochi. The flavour of the cherry leaves and the saltiness is irresistible!

Ohagi (Koshi an, Tsubu an or Kinako) ￡2.00 each

On sale from the 18th of the first day of the first month until the 24th of the last day of the first month of the year (the 21st of the first month of the year for the first month of the year). (The first day of the far bank is the 21st.)

Daifuku (￡1.50 each) and Dorayaki (￡2.00 each: tubu, koshi and matcha) are always available, but please order two days in advance if you buy more than five. Kusa-grain Daifuku will only be available as soon as Namayasai's mugwort is available, as it does not grow well. Please note that.

Spring cakes are available!
Cherry blossom mille crepe, strawberry shortcake, cherry blossom mont blanc... Enjoy!

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Events in March

2 and 9 March (Thursday) Okonomiyaki Night was a great success. Thank you very much.

3 March Peach Festival, Ohina Matsuri (Doll Festival)

16 Thu (Thu) Okonomiyaki Night will be cancelled.

Sun 19 An-an Japanese Art Club, calligraphy activity day See Events on Facebook for details. (https://www.facebook.com/events/873019483751073/873036103749411?active_tab=about)

21 (Tue) Middle day of Ohigan, Vernal Equinox Day

23rd and 30th, Okonomiyaki nights are planned. Please make your reservations early as they will be cancelled if no reservations are made.

Sat 25th, from 3pm, there will be a Japan x English Studies Exchange Party. See Events on FB for details. (https://fb.me/e/14tOpAJ5d)

Sun 2 Apr An An Japanese Art Club, Wagashi workshop See Events on FB for details.

(https://fb.me/e/2nspNb7Fq)

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The first day of spring has come in Japan, but here we have been hit by cold rain storms every day.

Take care of yourself and let's do our best this month!

February Newsletter

 Today is Risshun, the first day of spring in Japanese Calendar.

What I learnt  is that if you eat something made on Risshun on that day, it means good luck.

We will make Koshian Daifuku, Kusaguruma Daifuku, Ume no Kaori and Dorayaki. Daifuku is called 'Risshun Daifuku', and the mochi and azuki beans are said to ward off evil and bad luck. Above all, eating delicious food naturally brings a smile to your face. A smile is perhaps the strongest of all, as it brings more good fortune than anything else.

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February Japanese sweets

Ume no Ka￡2.00

Mochi in the shape of plum blossoms, the flower of early spring, filled with white bean paste with plum pickles juice. The refined sweetness goes well with green tea.

Thin-skinned Inaka Manju ￡2.00

Aromatic buns wrapped in grated yam skin. It also contains sweetened chestnuts, making you feel like you're getting a little bit better off. This is stemed. 

Strawberry Daifuku ￡2.50

Strawberry Daifuku is made out of season only for Valentine's Day and will be on sale from Friday 10. Reservations can only be made by calling the shop.

Uguisu mochi ￡1.80

These rice cakes are made in the shape of the Japanese bush warbler, a bird that heralds the arrival of spring. The fluffy soft mochi is served with fragrant green soybean soybean flour (cotains soybean).

Three types of Dorayaki (Koshi, Grain and Matcha) at ￡1.80 each and Daifuku (￡1.50) are always available, but if you buy more than five, please order at least two days before pick-up. Please note that we are experiencing a number of shortages of ingredients from Japan. We will do our best to deliver the best possible product, but we may have to cancel your order if we have no choice. Please understand.

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February events

Yesterday, 3 February, was Setsubun. We prepared a lot of ehomaki, but they were sold out. Thank you very much. We were going to make roasted beans in the oven and serve them with the ehoumaki, but we were too busy to make the process from boiled beans to roasted beans at all, so we couldn't give them to you. We are really sorry for those who were looking forward to it. Currently, we have 2 kg of cooked beans on hand. Now, what shall we do with them?

Today, 4 February, is the first day of spring.
We are waiting for you with lots of Japanese sweets.

Tuesday 14 February is Valentine's Day. As mentioned above, we have received many requests to make strawberry daifuku, although it is out of season since the 10th. If you would like to purchase one, please call the café to make a reservation. If you send a message outside the café phone, it may be missed, so we will only accept reservations by phone at the café. Please note that we will only accept reservations by phone at the café.

Sunday 19 is a Japan Art Club activity day. We would like to have a tofu workshop from 9am, followed by a lunch break at 1pm and a calligraphy class from 2pm to 5pm. Please check the Facebook event, Instagram and posters in the café for entry requirements.

Tuesday 21 is Pancake Day. Japanese pancakes are known for their fluffy pancakes. We will be replacing our morning French toast with pancakes on this day. Please come and try it.

Every Thursday is Okonomiyaki Night, from 5.30 to 8.00pm and by reservation only, as seating is limited. Please call the café in advance.

This month's Weekly Lunch Special.

First week (1-4 days) Set A - yakisoba, Set B - ehomaki.

Second week (7-11 Dec) Set A - French toast breakfast set, Set B - grilled salmon breakfast set.

Third week (14th-15th) Set A - Teriyaki pizza toast & salad, Set B - Omelette rice

Fourth week (21st - 25th) Set A - Curry rice, Set B - Okonomiyaki

Please note that from this month, Set A will remain at the same price of ￡9.80, but Set B will be ￡12.80.

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The electricity bill for my house has arrived, the water bill is also... 

The an-an café is always warm because the shop is small and connected to the kitchen. Come and have a cup of tea or coffee to warm up a bit. Free Wifi available for our lovely customers.