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Learning About the Japanese Culture & Mazda’s Challenger Spirit

by TerriAnn
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. The manicured gardens and Hagiwara history at Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park.

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Last week, my family and I had the opportunity to learn more about Mazda. I was already familiar with the brand but not so much with the culture and motivation behind it. I didn’t realize how large of an impact these factors play in how Mazda approaches vehicle design. So, we packed up our things and made our way to Japantown in San Francisco.

Mazda & the Japanese Culture — Japantown

We settled into our one-bedroom suite at Hotel Kabuki and then set off to explore a bit. The room was pretty amazing with shoji screens, a deep bath, and in-room sauna.

Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. We stayed at the Hotel Kabuki.
In-room stationary
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. We stayed at the Hotel Kabuki.
Master bedroom
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. We stayed at the Hotel Kabuki.
1-bedroom suite

Japantown consists of a connected shopping center that spans several blocks. It is full of small shops that feature Japanese goods, snacks, trinkets, media, and more. If you like new, cool, and cute things, it is so enjoyable to roam around here.

Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Here you'll find Japanese food, snacks, toys, clothes, furniture, books, art, and more.
Snacks in Ichiban Kan
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Here you'll find Japanese food, snacks, toys, clothes, furniture, books, art, and more.
Cute goodies at Ichiban Kan
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Here you'll find Japanese food, snacks, toys, clothes, furniture, books, art, and more.
Kabuki puppet
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Here you'll find Japanese food, snacks, toys, clothes, furniture, books, art, and more.
Filled taiyaki pastries
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Here you'll find Japanese food, snacks, toys, clothes, furniture, books, art, and more.
Sushi t-shirt
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Here you'll find Japanese food, snacks, toys, clothes, furniture, books, art, and more.
Japantown at dusk

Dinner was at Benihana. It was actually the first time my family and I have eaten here. The food was okay but the tableside dinner show was A+. Super cute gesture to have the rice shaped into an “I love Mazda” message. 🙂  If you have someone with food allergies eating with you, you have to be extra careful. You may want to ask to have your food cooked in the back if you notice danger of cross contamination.

Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Benihana offers tableside cooking entertainment.
"I love Mazda" fried rice
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Benihana offers tableside cooking entertainment.
Dinner chef
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Benihana offers tableside cooking entertainment.
Cooked to order dinner

Mazda & the Japanese Culture — Japanese Tea Garden

Day two started at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. Our family took a Mazda3 over (review coming soon). We were able to learn about matcha tea and watch a traditional tea ceremony. Such a relaxing custom. We had a short time to check out the grounds and then we had lunch. Just so you know, the iced green tea and the green tea cheesecake are delicious! Drinks were gluten free but the snacks aren’t.

Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Loved the traditional tea ceremony at the Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park.
Traditional Japanese tea ceremony
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Loved the traditional tea ceremony at the Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park.
Traditional Japanese tea ceremony
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Loved the traditional tea ceremony at the Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park.
Matcha tea & red bean mochi snack

The guided tour around the garden was so interesting. The Golden Gate Park area dates back to 1870 and was once full of sand dunes. The Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest Japanese garden in the U.S. The Hagiwara family landscaped and cared for garden. In 1942, along with other Japanese Americans, the family was sent to an internment camp. Their home was destroyed but many of Mr. Hagiwara’s work lives on in the garden today. After walking around a bit more, our family piled into a Mazda CX-3 to head back to the hotel.

Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. The manicured gardens and Hagiwara history at Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park.
Entrance gate
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. The manicured gardens and Hagiwara history at Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park.
Zig zag Monterey Pine
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. The manicured gardens and Hagiwara history at Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park.
Historic building now gift shop
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. The manicured gardens and Hagiwara history at Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park.
Koi-filled pond
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. The manicured gardens and Hagiwara history at Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park.
Ornate garden gate
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. The manicured gardens and Hagiwara history at Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park.
Family by the Japanese Tea House

Mazda & the Japanese Culture — Calligraphy

Time for traditional Japanese calligraphy lessons! Whew, this was harder than it looked. The calligraphy master gave us a brief history of the 1500 years of Japanese calligraphy. The language includes 2036 kanji characters (based on Chinese characters), 51 hiragana characters (simplified, phonetic), and 51 katakana characters (simplified, phonetic, used for non-Japanese words). She also talked about technique, different brushes, and how the art is an extension of one’s emotions. We could choose one of five example characters to practice. Then we created a “final” piece to frame.

Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Traditional Japanese calligraphy is truly an art - see how our lesson with a calligraphy master went.
Our Japanese Calligraphy Master & her tools
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Traditional Japanese calligraphy is truly an art - see how our lesson with a calligraphy master went.
Japanese calligraphy practice
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Traditional Japanese calligraphy is truly an art - see how our lesson with a calligraphy master went.
Group photo w/ final pieces

Mazda & the Japanese Culture — Sushi Making Lessons

We actually had to make our own food for dinner. That’s not a problem when you have sushi making lessons with a professional chef at the Miele Experience Center. First, though, we heard from Director of R&D Engineering for Mazda North American Operations, Kelvin Hiraishi. He explained how Mazda reflects the fighting spirit of where the brand originated, Hiroshima.

Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Before making sushi at the Miele Experience Center, we heard from Kelvin Hiraishi about Mazda and the "Challenger Spirit."
Miele Experience Center
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Before making sushi at the Miele Experience Center, we heard from Kelvin Hiraishi about Mazda and the "Challenger Spirit."
Sushi making area
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. Before making sushi at the Miele Experience Center, we heard from Kelvin Hiraishi about Mazda and the "Challenger Spirit."
Kelvin Hiraishi from Mazda

That southern part of Japan survived tragic events and is now thriving due to hard work and determination. This is referred to as the “Challenger Spirit.” The company aims to create vehicles that encourage a “joy of driving.” The perspective he offered helped me understand why Mazda cars perform the way they do. Drivers should feel like one with their car and enjoy the experience that driving can offer.

Back to sushi making. Chef Kaz demonstrated each step and then set us free to try it ourselves. Our first dish consisted of California Rolls with Dungeness crab, avocado, cucumbers, and rice. Our second dish was a Rainbow Roll. This is roll had spicy tuna inside and raw salmon, tuna, and yellowtail on the outside. It was so much fun for each person to make their own food. I think my family did pretty well! By the way, only gluten-free soy sauce (Temari) was used as it’s just easier since so many have an allergy to wheat! 😉

Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. We were able to learn how to make sushi like California Rolls and Rainbow Rolls from Chef Kaz at the Miele Experience Center.
Chef Kaz cooking demo
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. We were able to learn how to make sushi like California Rolls and Rainbow Rolls from Chef Kaz at the Miele Experience Center.
Mother-daughter sushi time
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. We were able to learn how to make sushi like California Rolls and Rainbow Rolls from Chef Kaz at the Miele Experience Center.
Chef Kaz cooking demo
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. We were able to learn how to make sushi like California Rolls and Rainbow Rolls from Chef Kaz at the Miele Experience Center.
Sticky fingers
Candid cooking
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. We were able to learn how to make sushi like California Rolls and Rainbow Rolls from Chef Kaz at the Miele Experience Center.
Frans' finished dish

Mazda & the Japanese Culture — Mazda CX-9 Joyride

On day three, Frans and I had a bit of time in the morning so we took the Mazda CX-9 for a spin. Wow, this is an impressive 7-seat SUV/CUV! Every seat is comfortable, even in the third row. There are a ton of bells and whistles, including the projected speedometer. The hills of San Francisco presented no problems for the small but powerful turbo engine with ZERO rolling!

Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. We test drove the 2016 Mazda CX-9 — see how it did on the city hills.
Exterior
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. We test drove the 2016 Mazda CX-9 — see how it did on the city hills.
Interior
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. We test drove the 2016 Mazda CX-9 — see how it did on the city hills.
2nd & 3rd rows
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. We test drove the 2016 Mazda CX-9 — see how it did on the city hills.
Middle console charging & space
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. We test drove the 2016 Mazda CX-9 — see how it did on the city hills.
Projected speedometer
Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture. We test drove the 2016 Mazda CX-9 — see how it did on the city hills.
Hill assist & navigation

Then it was time for the main event — 2016 J-POP Summit. There’s too much to write about here so I’ll have to tell you about that in the next post! 😉

 Cookies & Clogs | Travel | Hotels | During the J-POP Summit 2016 event with Mazda, my family and I were able to explore Japantown in San Francisco, CA and some of the Japanese culture.

My family and I were invited for an all-expense paid weekend event with Mazda. All opinions are my own.

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