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A taste of Japan -- in the suburbs

Posted June 19, 2008 11:00 pm

Daily Herald Staff Report

The Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford were inspired by a trip to Japan by an American who created an authentic Japanese garden with the help of a Japanese landscaper.

The Northwest suburbs offer an array of choices for people looking for authentic Japanese experiences. We polled several officials from local Japanese-American organizations to come up with a short (and certainly not exhaustive) list of hotspot destinations for Japanese fare and activities in the area.

Mitsuwa Marketplace, Arlington Heights

The Arlington Heights-based mall offers the largest selection of Japanese goods in the Midwest and draws patrons from across the state. The marketplace encompasses the Mitsuwa supermarket, restaurants, a bakery, Japanese video and book stores and real estate and travel agencies.

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Mitsuwa also serves as an activity center, sponsoring an annual rice-pounding ceremony on New Year's Day and events like the Giant Bluefish Tuna Carving Demonstration, during which a 400-pound tuna was carved up into sashimi pieces and sold.

Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford

Two separate gardens, one contemporary and one traditional, make up the Anderson gardens in Rockford.

The style of the formal garden dates back to 12th century Japan. The contemporary Garden of Reflection has an international flavor with strong Japanese influences.

"It's beautiful," said Kay Kawaguchi of the Japanese American Service Committee. "It's not just a copy of the Japanese style. It's really a Japanese garden."

Kurumaya, Elk Grove Village

Kurumaya is one of the few local destinations for izakaya, a type of Japanese bar that serves small plates, similar to Spanish tapas.

"There's a more intimate relationship with the customers," said Christopher Kelly, a spokesman for the Japanese Consulate in Chicago who recommended Kurumaya. "They'll remember your name. You might have your own bottle of Sake you can drink from when you come back."

Naperville Cultural Center, Naperville

The center was started by a Japanese-American woman frustrated because she could not find Japanese language lessons for her children in the suburbs. The center offers Japanese lessons -- when the staff is able to find a willing instructor -- in addition to other languages, and a number of cultural classes.

Classes in drawing Japanese-style comics, or manga, are particularly popular. "It's pretty much an American group of kids who come in" for the manga classes, said the center's founder and president. "There are a lot of things they can learn about Japanese culture from manga."

Japanese cultural programs can be found across the suburbs, such as at the Japanese Garden Tea House at Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva. Laura Stoecker | Staff Photographer

Moeka Yanagi, left, of Schaumburg and brother Akito are among the thousands of suburban residents who honor their Japanese heritage during events like the Japanese Summer Festival at the Mitsuwa Marketplace Daily Herald file photo

You Shao Qiang sliced through a 400-pound tuna during a demonstration last year sponsored by Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights. The tuna carving display is just one of many events celebrating Japanese culture held at the market. Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

The Naperville Cultural Center offers courses in art, dance and music from various countries, including Japan. It was the brainchild of a Japanese-American who wanted to keep her cultural heritage alive. Marcelle Bright | Staff Photographer