At times it seemed there was no end to 2020. Akin to Truffaut’s classic film 400 Blows, I often wondered, what else can happen this year?

With the sudden passing of my cherished godmother just after Christmas, there was no time to shop for Japanese groceries. Besides without our annual Oshogatsu festivities on New Year’s Day to attend, did it matter if I didn’t have mochi, azuki beans or gyoza at the ready?

Luckily I found a package of udon and added teriyaki tofu, tempura broccoli and roasted corn toppings and finished with a miso broth. Certainly a huge contrast to our usual all-day eating fest! And that’s not a bad thing. 

Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu! Wishing you all the best for a healthy, happy and prosperous new year. May these dark days fall away from us and become brighter with each rising day.