For North Americans, celebrating Thanksgiving overseas can be tough – especially in Japan where Thanksgiving staples like turkey, not to mention full-size ovens, are hard to come by. Here are three tips on how to DIY your own Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving party even while you’re far from home!
Gather a Crew
One of the most important aspects of Thanksgiving is appreciating how grateful you are for your family, be that the family you were born into or the family you’ve created in getting to know great new friends who love and accept you here in Japan. To really get your Thanksgiving feels together, the most important step is to gather a squad to celebrate the day with.
Decorate for the Season
While store-bought decorations are in ample supply in the West, you might be hard-pressed to find a cornucopia in Tokyo. Still, plenty of fall-themed items should be available at Japanese staples like Loft and Tokyū Hands, as well as smaller home decor shops. If you’re crafty and looking to make some holiday savings, you can also head to The Daiso, pick up some basic craft supplies and create your own decorations for the day. If you’re not hosting, dress festively to get into the mood and bring Thanksgiving joy to those around you.
Prepare for the Feast
Aside from, well, giving thanks, we all know that Thanksgiving is all about sharing a feast of delicious food that leans towards excess. Again, buying a full-size turkey, even if you have a full-size oven to cook one in, would be tough. Still, there’s hope for dinner yet! For the kitchen-averse, book a table at a Western-style restaurant with a pre-fixed Thanksgiving menu, of which there are a surprising number in major cities.
For those who don’t mind whipping up a dish or two, host a potluck! And if spending the day in the kitchen couldn’t make you happier then by all means spend the day cooking up a storm for all of your friends! Not sure what to cook? Check below for a list of Japan-friendly Thanksgiving Day dish ideas.
Sweet Potatoes
Create your own spin on Thanksgiving sweet potatoes using yakiimo, roasted sweet potatoes, as a base. Buy pre-cooked yakiimo from the truck down the street, or the stall in your grocery store, or buy them fresh to cook yourself.
Mac and Cheese
Pasta, milk, butter, cheese. That’s all you’ll need for this classic comfort food. Not only that, it’s easy to make even in a single gas burner kitchen. You can get creative with added spices and multiple cheeses or keep it simple with the basics. Either way, this soul food is sure to please your guests.
Simple Salad
Thanksgiving might be about the heavy stuff, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a salad to give your stomach a break between helpings. Toss up a simple salad using what’s freshest at your local sūpa (supermarket) and add croutons if you can. No need to be too health conscious – it is Thanksgiving.
Toaster Oven Turkey (or Chicken, or Whatever You Can Find)
While a whole turkey might be difficult to come by, turkey breast would be less of a stretch. If all else fails, even a simple chicken breast could make do. What’s more, cooking a smaller portion in a convection toaster oven is far less time consuming than attempting the whole bird. Still not equipped with the proper tools? Roasting isn’t the only option! There are plenty of recipes available online for pan-frying as well.
Cranberry Sauce
Love it or hate it, it’s a Thanksgiving staple that’s relatively easy to prepare. Made almost entirely out of cranberries and sugar, even a kitchen novice should be able to pull this one together. Cook it nice and slow over low to medium heat to avoid burning.
No-Bake Apple Pie
While Japan may be lacking in the West’s amply provided pre-baked pie crusts, that doesn’t make delicious oven-less pies impossible. Simply prepare a no-bake pie crust using crushed graham crackers, cookies, or pretzels and a whole lot of butter. Add sugar if needed. Then soften up some sliced apples with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over a gas burner or electric stove top for the filling. Put it in the fridge to cool and voila! Your classic dessert is complete.
What did you think of our DIY Thanksgiving Day tips? How will you be spending the holiday this year? We’re always thankful for your contributions! Let us know what you think in the comments section below or join the conversation by adding your own helpful tips!
