言葉の海を編む感動の物語『舟を編む』

「辞書って、面白いんだ。」

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あなたはこんな感想を持ったことがありますか？

2011年に本屋大賞を受賞した三浦しをんの小説『舟を編む』は、言葉への深い敬愛と情熱を注ぐ人々の姿を描いた感動的な作品です。

辞書は単なる言葉の羅列ではなく、言葉の海を航海し、言葉の宝石を探し出すようなワクワク感にあふれています。

主人公の馬締光也は、ひょんなことから辞書編集部の仕事に携わることになります。最初は辞書作りに興味を持っていなかった馬締ですが、言葉の意味を調べ、例文を作成する過程で、言葉の奥深さに触れ、次第にその仕事に魅了されていきます。

辞書編集部には、個性豊かな人々が集まっています。

編集長の荒木公平は、辞書作りに情熱を注ぐベテラン編集者。馬締の良き理解者であり、師のような存在です。

松田青子 は、馬締と同期で、辞書作りに真摯に取り組む女性編集者。馬締とは良きライバルであり、互いに支え合い、成長していきます。

馬締は、彼らとの関わりを通して、人間関係の複雑さや、コミュニケーションの大切さを学んでいきます。

辞書作りという共通の目標に向かって、互いに支え合い、成長していく姿は、読者に勇気と感動を与えてくれます。

『舟を編む』は、単に辞書作りという仕事を描いた小説ではありません。

言葉と人間の深いつながり、日常生活の中での小さな発見と喜び、そして人生の美しさを伝える作品です。

読み終わった後には、心が温かい気持ちで満たされます。

言葉の大切さを改めて認識させてくれる、そんな素晴らしい作品です。

https://amzn.to/3VBX53R

"Sake 101: A Beginner's Guide to Japanese Rice Wine."

Sake 101: A Beginner's Guide to Japanese Rice Wine

If the world of sake seems a bit mysterious, you're not alone. Unlike the grape-based wine you might be familiar with, sake has its own unique flavor profile, history, and traditions. However, sake doesn't have to be intimidating – let's explore the basics of this delicious Japanese beverage!

What is Sake?

Sake is often called "Japanese rice wine," but that's slightly misleading. Sake is made from rice, water, yeast, and a special mold called koji. Crucially, it's a brewed beverage like beer, and not distilled like spirits. Sake's brewing process gives it a fascinating complexity.

Types of Sake

You'll often see terms like Junmai, Ginjo, and Daiginjo on sake bottles. These refer to the degree to which the rice grains have been polished before brewing. Highly polished rice produces more refined flavors, while less-polished rice gives sake a bolder, earthier character. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Junmai: Made with pure rice, no added alcohol. Often has a richer flavor.
• Ginjo: Rice is polished to at least 60% remaining. Tends to be light and fragrant.
• Daiginjo: Rice is polished to 50% or less. Known for delicate aromas and smooth taste.
• Honjozo: A small amount of brewer's alcohol is added, lightening the flavor.

How to Drink Sake

Sake can be enjoyed hot (especially in colder weather) or chilled. Traditionally, sake is served in small ceramic cups called ochoko, or sometimes in masu (wooden boxes). It's usual to sip sake slowly, enjoying the aromas and flavors, unlike taking a shot.

Sake and Food

While sake and sushi are a classic combo, many different foods pair beautifully with sake. The light, clean flavors of many sake work well with delicate seafood, tempura, and vegetable dishes. Junmai styles can even stand up to richer flavors like grilled meats.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

This is just a taste of the fascinating world of sake! As you explore more, you'll discover a vast range of flavor profiles, regional variations, and ways to enjoy this delicious Japanese drink.

"Sake Niigata Sake Comparison Set - 5 bottles of 1800ml, now with a Daiginjo + 1 bottle, total 6 bottles Junmai Daiginjo Daiginjo Junmai Niigata Prefecture, dry, heated, cold sake, sake, gift, gift-giving, sake, celebration, gift-giving"

Exploring Niigata: Japan's Sake Heartland

When it comes to sake, Niigata is the place to be!  This region is renowned for the three keys to incredible sake: high-quality rice, pure water, and the skill of experienced toji (master brewers). If you're ready to sample the best Niigata sake has to offer, consider getting a fantastic sake comparison set:

Sake Niigata Sake Comparison Set - 5 bottles of 1800ml, now with a Daiginjo + 1 bottle, total 6 bottles Junmai Daiginjo Daiginjo Junmai Niigata Prefecture, dry, heated, cold sake, sake, gift, gift-giving, sake, celebration, gift-giving

This curated set lets you savor a variety of Niigata sake, including premium Junmai Daiginjo, Daiginjo, Ginjo, and Junmai. It's perfect for deeper sake exploration or as a special gift!

Ready to Dive Deeper?

This is just a taste of the fascinating world of sake! As you explore more, you'll discover a vast range of flavor profiles, regional variations, and ways to enjoy this delicious Japanese drink.