Description
Japanese bottle opener decorated with the images of two Japanese kokeshi dolls. Bottle openers are called sennuki in Japanese, and this particular opener is useful for removing both the caps from bottles as well as popping the tabs on soda pop cans. The opener is less than 20 years old and in good shape though it does have some marks and scratches.
Size:
Length: 3.6 inches (9.2 centimeters)
Weight: 0.7 ounces (20 grams)
Kurt's Old Fashioned Bottle Opener...
When our family first decided to sell our home in California and move to Japan, we talked often about what we wanted to do when we arrived to start our lives in Shizuoka. Emily wanted to play with her grandparents while Yumiko talked about all the great hometown restaurants she wished to visit. At the top of my to-do list was to go out and buy an authentic old-fashioned Japanese wood-handled bottle opener! This, in order to more easily open the big bottle of Japanese beer I planned to enjoy each evening at mealtime! You see, though I have never been much of a drinker, I have nevertheless always enjoyed the image of the Japanese father settling down to dinner with his large bottle of Japanese beer, his small beer glass and handy wooden-handled bottle opener. Having associated with the Japanese since my teens, this stereotypical image of the Japanese father was one I had become accustomed to through media and direct experience, and was resolved to emulate upon the start of our new life in Japan. Though I did indeed buy my bottle opener and do keep it handy in our topmost kitchen drawer, I'm afraid that my limited capacity for alcohol has to-date hindered my efforts to dine like a real Japanese father, and I am therefore resigned to enjoying bottles of beer only on special occasions such as with my father-in-law when Yumiko's parents join us for dinner. But I do have my opener! And I'm always happy to retrieve it from that topmost drawer whenever dad shows up carrying a couple of bottles of Kirin under his arm. Please read below to learn more about Japanese drinking culture and sake (alcohol) protocol.
Japanese Drinking Culture
Drinking is an interesting and important part of Japanese culture. And alcohol is frequently consumed as an integral part of social as well as business affairs. In a culture very much bound by protocol and hierarchy, the consumption of alcohol gives people a much-needed chance to drop their guard and relax a bit, even in the presence of company superiors and strangers. Japanese businessmen (and lately, women) are normally expected to participate in frequent (sometimes several times a week) company parties where alcohol is often consumed in large quantities. These parties, often held at special bars called izakaya, are thought to help form and maintain important social bonds within the company as well to establish and improve relationships with customers. Anyone who has ever attended such an event knows that food and alcohol are frequently ordered without regard to sobriety or cost (the company normally picks up the tab) and that the antics and words of drunken coworkers are always forgiven no matter how severe or egregious the offence. The party doesn't normally end until the boss has had enough, and the midnight scramble of drunken office workers racing to catch the last train home is a common sight in many urban train and subway stations.
When drinking with the Japanese there are a few important rules to keep in mind. As drinking in Japan is nearly always social, the activities and implements of alcohol consumption are as well. Beer always arrives at the table in a big bottle while sake rice wine (consumed in smaller quantities) is served in a tiny flask. Both are to be shared... Each member of the party will have their own beer glass and sake cup which may only be filled by oneself after first pouring for others. In most cases though, someone will kindly take the bottle or flask from your hand (after you have filled their cup) to pour for you. Unless your capacity for alcohol is great you should drink slowly in the presence of Japanese partiers, who are ever eager to refill an empty glass for another toast of kampai (cheers)! When drinking with co-workers it is appropriate to let the boss (or most senior member) pick up the tab. However when drinking with friends everyone should chip in when the bill arrives. And remember, no tip is required or expected in Japanese bars or restaurants.
item code: R1S4-0006012 (KITTOT) http://directorzone.cyberlink.com/video/6411
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Vintage Japan Paper Dolls Moon Gazing Man Woman Ningyoby theoldtokaido1,129 views
adorable kid!
mercatorblue 1 year ago
oohhhh such a cute kido.
mloclam7 2 years ago