For some reason, every time I travel outside of Hawaii (and this year it’s been nearly every other month); I crave Japanese food. Actually, who am I kidding — I crave tempura donburi from Jimbo’s and Hifumi’s butterfish with jumbo shrimp tempura combo on a daily basis! I am fortunate, and grateful that people in the other 49 states also share my (appreciation) indulgence for Japanese delicacies.
At the suggestion of a friend from Hawaii and Santa Clara University Law School alumni, I drove to what is known as Japantown in San Jose, California. I was disappointed to learn that the restaurant she had recommended was closed, however I was in Japantown certainly I could find an establishment that could satisfy my cravings.
I turned the corner to discover that Buddha himself heard the rumblings of my stomach, as I had arrived just in time for the start of the 2009 San Jose Obon Festival. I know that Buddha heard me because I turned the next corner and found free street parking only yards away from the heart of the event.
I turned yet another corner and really the monks must have been praying for me because I found a traditional Chinese masseuse specializing in reflexology for $20! From there I turned yet another corner and found Ukulele Source owned by California natives Smiley and Janet Kai. Their hospitality while a customer in their store led me to have confidence in their recommendation of a restaurant.
With a new restaurant in mind and walking directions I decided to get into the Festival. The first person that greeted me was California Hello Kitty. Take a look at the pictures below, you can tell they’re of the Sanrio species, but California looks a little different from Hawaii Hello Kitty.
There were carnival games, food booths, and Kirin on tap. Hosted by the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, the event had three Taiko drum performances and over a thousand dancers, with a crowd of double the performers.
Smiley and Janet were right, Okayama Japanese Cuisine cooks delicions Japanese food. They opened for dinner thirty minutes earlier than normal, and I was the first in line!
While the festival was a blessing, it was meeting my friend and Hawaii Traditions writer, Jan’s 6th grade Gifted and Talented Creative Writing teacher from Kaahumanu Elementary School that solidified that not only Buddha, but all of the gods had looked down upon me. (She wouldn’t give me her name, joking that she was on ‘Hawaii’s Most Wanted’!)
From now on, every visit to Silicon Valley (and I plan on having more) will also include walking around Japantown for shopping, eating, and talking story.
