Hakubaku Japanese Noodles

A lot has changed over the last 100 years when it comes to manners. Especially in the German-speaking world almost every area of life was divided hierarchically very strictly. In Prussia this militant ranking was reflected in a downright flood of uniforms. Even the lowest officials received a title and a uniform. In old photographs, mail carriers are hardly distinguishable from officers. This is certainly because both liked posing with sabers. The population was expected to meet men in uniform with appropriate respect. The general tone was accordingly stiff. At the latest since the 1960s, a perceptible change of direction took place. Fewer uniforms and suits were seen on the street. One no longer insisted on always being addressed with titles and among colleagues one was even on a first name basis with each other.

Due to the telephone, e-mail and social media, communication is becoming more and more informal today. However, what one person celebrates as authentic, the other often perceives as rude. For this reason, communication training for young professionals is now an integral part of training in many companies. A special challenge is the respectful treatment of people from other cultures. And that already begins with the salutation. In German there is only one polite form: "Sie" (in English "you"). If one knows each other better you can start with the "Du" (in English also "you"). Since the 17th century only the "you" has existed in English. And in Scandinavia it is quite normal that the trainees communicate in an informal way with their chief. While European offices tend to be rather informal, Japan still attaches great importance to correct manners.

The politeness of the Japanese is proverbial and has always deeply impressed the Europeans. The German doctor and researcher Engelbert Kaempfer published the first Japan report at the beginning of the 18th century. In this, he attested every Japanese from the peasant to the prince a "school of all courtesies and good manners." The importance of correct manners in the land of the rising sun can still be seen in the language today. Anyone who wants to be successful in Japan needs to master "Keigo" (the courtesy language). How one should express oneself is always determined by the context. Words in their basic form, as they can be found in the dictionary, should only be used at home or with good friends. On the road or at the workplace one expresses oneself quite differently. And for superiors, professors, and other important people, there is an even more respectable variant. Each of these three levels has its own personal pronouns, salutation suffixes and synonyms. In addition, the verbs are also conjugated differently. For the correct use of "Keigo" new books appear each year in Japan. Especially first-time employees often have to catch up.

Because politeness in Japan has such a high priority, one obviously wants to avoid a disrespectful or shameless impression. This includes, for example, using the personal pronouns "me" and "you" only if it is absolutely necessary. While the conversation partner is lifted up when it comes to the salutation, one consciously takes oneself back and tries to be as modest as possible. Whoever gives a lecture, for example, thanks the listeners afterwards for the fact that they had to bear with him. Nevertheless, a professor of course expects the students to talk to him differently than to each other. Japan is still a very hierarchical society in the 21st century. However, there are places where these differences disappear superficially. In addition to the subway and the "Onsen" (hot springs) there are the "Ramen-ya". These small noodle restaurants can be found in every Japanese city. Often they offer only half a dozen seats and while eating you can watch the cook at work.

With the organic Ramen of Hakubaku you can also experience the phenomenon Ramen at home. The most popular noodle variety in Asia is normally served as a noodle soup but is also ideal for wok dishes. In Japan, ramen can be slurped aloud, especially when it tastes good. This also applies to the Soba noodles. Hakubaku Organic Soba are made from wheat, buckwheat, flour and salt. Thanks to their Spaghetti like breadth, the noodles have an intense and authentic taste. In the variant Organic Cha Soba, the pasta dough is refined with aromatic green tea and thus provides a unique taste experience. Behind Ramen, Udon is the second most popular noodle in Japan. The thick Organic Udon are enormously versatile and have a stronger consistency compared to other noodles. All Hakubaku noodles can also be used for salads, fry-up dishes or soups. Bon appétit!