Viking バイキング

Viking! As you all know, they were the Scandinavian seafarers, attacking ships and foreign shores in their dragon boats from the 8th to the 11th century. If not taken by surprise, in Japan “Viking” is an “all-you-can-eat” style restaurant, and this denomation has been in use for over 50 years. But why on earth are all-you-can-eat style restaurants called “Viking” in Japan?

The Beginning of Viking

The story begins in 1957 when Mr. Tetsuzo Inumaru, who was the manager of the Imperial Hotel back then, took a trip to Denmark. Mr. Inumaru encountered a smorgasbord* restaurant in Copenhagen. Scarcely had he seen this style, when he knew with rock-solid certainty that this would become a major hit in Japan. He soon instructed Mr. Nobuo Murakami to study what dishes could be served. At that time, Mr. Murakami was still under training at the Ritz in Paris, and later became a chef de cuisine in the Imperial Hotel.

However, there was one problem. For Japanese people, the word “smorgasbord” was quite difficult to pronounce, as well as hard to relate themselves to. Therefore, Mr. Inumaru asked his staff members to suggest names better suited for this novelty smorgasbord restaurant. Since vikings carried a very strong image with Japanese people, coupled with the breathtaking scenes of gluttony from the movie “Viking” (1958) screened in the nearby Hibiya Movie Theatre, Mr. Inumaru chose “Viking” for the restaurant’s name. Hence, the “Viking” in the Imperial Hotel was born. It was August 1958.

Predictably enough, this smorgasbord restaurant was extremely well-received by the Japanese, and the restaurant’s name became a synonym for “all-you-can-eat” (buffet) style restaurants.

Source: http://www.jref.com/japan/culture/food/viking.shtml

This was just plain fun, so for those who could not see it on our Facebook page, this is for you!  Pick an occasion to celebrate and put these fireworks with it!

Warning:  This just might be fun for you to read.  It may not contain deep spiritual truth.  It might cause you to start a new video watching hobby or become the Zatoichi Fan Club president. 

Have you heard of Zatoichi?  Well if not, have I a treat for you!  Zatoichi was one of Japan’s longest running TV series from , based on a multi-feature film run, starring Shintaro Katsu as Zatoichi, the blind swordsman. A total of 26 films were made from 1962 to 1989. From 1972 to 1974, a television series of the same name was made. 112 episodes aired before the “Zatoichi” television series was cancelled.

Here, I will give you some insight to this strangely wonderful character as seen through my own eyes.

Zatoichi is a name made of two parts. “Zato” and “Ichi” - 座頭市.  It basically means blind man (low ranking, masseur) and his name happens to be Ichi, which can also mean “one” or “first.”  In this case, it is simply his name.

Zatoichi is a blind masseur who roams the countryside performing massage and acupuncture, but he is also a gambler of dice and does very well for himself.  His big secret, however, is that he is an expert swordsman with supernatural ability in his five senses.  He fights mobs of people without ever getting hurt, taking them down one by one in choreographed glory.  Watching Zatoichi is fairly predictable, but always absolutely enjoyable.  Every fight scene comes complete with kung-fu movie sound effects as Zatoichi’s sword rips through the air on its way to finding flesh.  Sounds gross, but one of the reasons I like the show is that there is almost no blood ever seen and you never see the sword wounds on the TV series, which was toned down a bit for the general family audience.

Zatoichi should not be considered a gambling murderer.  The show always highlights Zatoichi’s humanitarian side which has included helping babies and their mothers, saving people from fire, avenging justice for the helpless and giving money to the poor.

Zatoichi is, in some ways, an everyman.  He does his best, seeks to do good, but sometimes falls short.  Sound like anyone you know?

I titled this post “Why Zatoichi is Great.”  I suppose greatness is subject to opinion, but I think Zatoichi is great for a number of reasons.  He always seeks to do good and he is filled with wisdom from experience.  He does not look for trouble, but certainly preserves the things he knows are right.  He is an awesome, unstoppable fighter with the quickest sword you have ever seen.  Amd when the day is done, Zatoichi walks into the sunset unharmed, with nothing more than his walking stick and sometimes a small pack.  I like his style… simple but effective. Shows like this are simply fun to watch and do have value as we see him always protecting the weaker and defending what is right.

You can rent or buy all Zatoichi films and TV series from Amazon.com, Frys or any place that sells a wide variety of DVDs.  Enjoy!