Bananaloft.com : in search of an Asian Identity

At first, Bananaloft tried to be a magazine. But we soon realized that we're not journalists at all. We're really just a group of friends who like to share interesting things with people So that's what this site is
Made in Japan
Have minced pork and onions? Make this.

Have minced pork and onions? Make this.

With students back in school, I know that they’ll most likely be cooking or eating on a budget. Now I’m not a student anymore, but I still do try to cook or eat on a budget! Plus, I often find that cooking with a limited number of ingredients is quite fun. While I do love...
Guu Sakabar: a true taste of home

Guu Sakabar: a true taste of home

It’s a typical bar: Dim lights, loud conversations, raucous laughter, clinks of beer mugs, irasshaimase! Nanmeisama deshouka? Wait, what? Welcome to Guu Sakabar – a not-so-typical bar that’s probably the most Japanese-salaryman-esque experience you can have in Toronto. If you’re not familiar with an izakaya-style restaurant, check out my past article on izakayas in Toronto...
This is...pizza?

This is…pizza?

Since it seems like a lot of people liked to read about Japanese McDonalds VS North American McDonalds, today I’m going to introduce Japanese pizza.   Cost If you ask ANY foreigner (especially from North America) about ordering pizza in Japan, they’ll tell you that they’re SUPER SUPER EXPENSIVE. It’s true. I shouldn’t turn anyway...
McDonalds - Japan VS Canada

McDonalds – Japan VS Canada

“Isn’t McDonalds the same everywhere? It’s an American thing!” is what you’re probably thinking right now (OR “you just got me hungry”). Well, it actually isn’t. And I’m sure you’ve heard/read about this somewhere. Many countries have their own menu items going on at their McDonalds chains and most people take it for granted. Now, I...
Poutine - the Canadian "Asian bowl"

Poutine – the Canadian “Asian bowl”

The first time I ever had poutine was when my mom, grandma and I were travelling through the Canadian Rockies and went to Alberta for the day. We went into a Canadian restaurant and we asked for the most Canadian thing on the menu. She served us poutine and said that this was comfort food...
You're amazing. Thank you.

You’re amazing. Thank you.

It’s been almost two weeks since the Great Tohoku earthquake happened, and every day has been more tough than the day before. We read and hear about the rising death toll, the nuclear plant, the aftershocks, people who are still trying to locate their family members…my thoughts go out to all of them. I can’t help but...
Sexy comes...standard?

Sexy comes…standard?

If you’ve been watching Canadian TV, then you’d understand what I’m about to write about – the newest commercial from Subaru: I first saw this at home and laughed. Their only line is “with the Japanese engineered Subaru Forester, sexy comes standard”, and it’s a pretty straight forward commercial. Subaru is a Japanese company, and...
Multicultural Japanese artists

Multicultural Japanese artists

"Made in Japan" author Reina introduces Japanese artists who all come from multicultural backgrounds
I love you, but...

I love you, but…

As a multicultural person in Canada, are you picky about who you date and what kind of romantic relationships you take on?
Kondo-san

Kondo-san

I have to sit in the cramped room under fluorescent lights with 20 other students every day during summer vacation. Our shirts stick to our backs from the Osaka heat. The teachers prop the three big windows open every morning but the room gets hotter because of the traffic that zooms by outside.
What, I'm not an Aries anymore?

What, I’m not an Aries anymore?

"Made in Japan" author Reina introduces you to the world of "bloodtype personalities".
Izakayas - there's more to Japanese food than just sushi joints

Izakayas – there’s more to Japanese food than just sushi joints

Made in Japan author Reina reviews an izakaya in central Osaka