It is interesting to think about the minor changes one experiences while living in a different country. The major changes are inevitably going to stand out immediately and will be noticed without much effort. Changes like going from being part of the majority (blond-haired, green-eyed individuals are not rare in Minnesota) to being part of the minority, for example. Or going to the grocery store and having no clue what the check-out lady is saying to you because, um, it’s in a different language.

Yes, living in another country brings with it a large number of huge changes. There are the more subtle, quiet changes that peak out from around every little corner, waiting to be noticed. The slow, steady reliance on sign language as a way to understand that check out lady at the grocery store. Or the way you begin to notice the difference in sound between a restaurant that uses silverware rather than the ever-present chopsticks. The clanking of metal on the plates becomes a welcome, unexpected reminder of “home”.

One of the many small changes in our life since moving to Japan has obviously been our eating habits. We are blessed to be surrounded by amazing seafood- something vastly different from our lives in the landlocked states of the Midwest. Our rice cooker has become a staple in the kitchen. What could be easier than pressing a button and a short while later having perfectly made Japanese sticky rice? With our current state of chaos- OK, chaos might be too strong. Let’s try that again- we are blessed with work. Therefore, our rice cooker has been getting a good work out lately. Meals like this rice bowl topped with salmon sashimi, a poached egg, radish sprouts and a sprinkling of furikake have replaced our grilled cheese and tomato soup (which used to be our go-to meal when our schedules began to fill up.)

I love how the hot rice gently heats the salmon and the flavor of the creamy egg yolk brings each component of the bowl together (and yes, I am a little obsessed with poached eggs in case you were wondering.) And the furikake adds a great flavor- slightly salty, nutty, and in this case a little spicy, furikake adds a beautiful contrast. Comforting and simple. This dish is great for creativity, too. Instead of the salmon, you could use chicken, sauteed shrimp, or another protein. Or, skip the meat and stick to veggies and the egg. I really like adding a couple slices of avocado to my rice bowl as well.

With so many big changes to absorb each and every day, I am thankful for the small changes that quickly become a part of our daily lives. Sometimes a steaming bowl of sticky rice topped with fresh, simple ingredients is all it takes to bring a moment of peace in a whirlwind kind of week.

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