“Chi Chi no Hi” is Father’s Day in Japan. While the celebrations of the day are more low-key than those of Mother’s Day or Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi), children love to present their beloved fathers with a gift to express their love and appreciation.

Even though I was not raised in Japan, my family still imbued me with the value of oya koko, or filial piety. My sisters and I revere our father (as well as our mother, but don’t tell her that) and his memory. He died nine years ago, and my life has never been the same without him. Since the passing of my uncle late last year, this is the first year that our family will have no senior patriarchs to honor.

So, my children will pay homage to their father, my husband of almost 25 years. He has no grand plans. He wants simply to water his garden, play a computer game with his kids, throw something on the grill. The kids are past the age of handmade cards and lopsided ceramic ashtrays. Even the loud necktie. In fact, my son has taken over the grill lately so perhaps he will do dinner this year. And that will be one more duty—in addition to the trash cans and car washing—that my husband will pass onto his son. “Why do you think I had a son, anyway?” he grins.

In honor of Chi Chi no Hi, here are some Japanese burger articles for you to consider for the special father in your life:


Japanese Hamubaga Hamburger Recipe
Japanese hamburger is a seasoned beef patty, eaten hot or cold with rice. It is similar to the Salisbury Steak only without gravy although you can serve this with curry or tonkatsu (Japanese steak) sauce.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art67130.asp


Teriyaki Burger Recipe
Another Western or yoshoku dish, this sweet soy sauce hamburger on a bun tastes delicious with or without grilled pineapple. Burgers on buns were new to Japan.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art67131.asp


About MOS Japanese Rice Burgers
The name is misleading as the rice is not in the burger but in the bun. MOS is the second largest fast food burger franchise in Japan today, just behind—who else—McDonald’s.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art67132.asp

*** Your Japanese food phrase of the week

Furaidopoteto mo go issho ni ikaga desu ka? (Foo-rah-ee-doh poh-the-toh go ee-shoh nee ee-kah-gah deh-soo kah?) “Would you like fries with that?”

***Funny quotes

“Avoid fruits and nuts. You are what you eat.” ~ Jim Davis

“If people aren’t supposed to eat animals, then why are they made out of meat?” ~Jo Brand


Until next time…

Kashiko,

Chidori Phillips
BellaOnline.com Japanese Food site editor