Hello, this is NIFS!
2008-02-01

[Cultural Seed of Knowledge / Valentine’s day]

On this day, many women hand-make and give chocolate or small presents to men depending on their relationship with the person. Even when someone isn’t a boyfriend, “giri choco” (Chocolate given out of obligation) and “tomo choco” (Chocolate made and exchanged among students from primary school and junior high) are given. Unlike in many countries, men do not give anything to women on this day ? that is reserved for White Day in March.

[Nara Lifestyle Guide / (Books) Medical-related books]
http://www.nifs.or.jp/mobile/eng/guide/healthcare/healthcare01.html

[Seasonal Life Tips / Drinks that warm up: arrowroot soup and ginger soup]

Ginger promotes the blood circulation and arrowroot and starch warm up the body. It is nice to have ginger / arrowroot gruel in winter. Both of them can be bought in the form of instant product to be made at home. Ginger gruel: Ginger can be prepared by putting the liquid from squeezed ginger in boiling water then added to starch. After that you can adjust to taste with seasonings or sugar. Arrowroot gruel: Arrowroot can be made by dissolving arrowroot powder in water, adding some sugar and heating as you mix it until it becomes transparent. Afterwards you can adjust to taste with seasonings or sugar.