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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsJapan fears losing battle of buffets against China
Belt-tightening in Japans diplomatic service is cutting the quality of canapés on offer abroad, the Foreign Ministry has said, leading to fears Tokyo is losing the battle of the buffets to Beijing.
Diplomats in Tokyo say China appears to be ramping up its spending on its missions while Japanese diplomats are being forced to scrimp, the ministry said. Allowances for embassy bashes have dropped 40 percent over the last decade, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida told a parliamentary committee earlier this month.
Foreign guests invited to mark occasions such as the Emperors birthday have noted the second-rate sake and substandard snacks, Kishida said. One diplomat reportedly complained the Middle East mission where he worked had been unable to afford to serve the popular shrimp tempura, and this had turned off invitees.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/japan-fears-losing-battle-of-buffets-against-china.aspx
hfojvt
(37,573 posts)we have Jimmy
Art_from_Ark
(27,247 posts)Is the "second-rate" sake the stuff that comes in a carton instead of a bottle?
cherokeeprogressive
(24,853 posts)Where can I get some?
Art_from_Ark
(27,247 posts)you can get Box-o-Sake here:
http://search.rakuten.co.jp/search/mall/紙パック+酒/-/m=1?c=3761&scid=s_kwa_app_05_05&lsid=055920
Art_from_Ark
(27,247 posts)Sold for around 100 yen ($1) each in most Japanese grocery stores
cherokeeprogressive
(24,853 posts)Art_from_Ark
(27,247 posts)Last edited Tue Jun 18, 2013, 12:27 AM - Edit history (1)
Literally, "demon killer". I wonder what sort of demons that kills
On edit: The reviewer of "Oni-goroshi" wrote it was "mazui", or "yucky", because it was "too sweet". "Just the kind of low-grade sake you'd expect to find at a sleazy bar"
http://f.hatena.ne.jp/congiro/20111026105549
longship
(40,416 posts)10 cents a package.
Your choice of flavors:
*Chicken
*Beef
*Shrimp (my fave)
*there are no other flavors
Drop a raw egg in and mix for egg drop Top Ramen. Yummy three minute breakfast. Toast on the side.
Ramen diplomacy is next.
Art_from_Ark
(27,247 posts)A comparable Japanese brand would be a store house brand. And even then, the cheapest store brand ramen is about $2.00 for a bag of 5. The usual flavors are soy sauce and miso.