Lyric

A cold wind blows as I wrap my scarf

Heading to my usual store at five

In the seafood aisle, our eyes meet:

“Wild yellowtail scraps – 300 yen.”

In the produce section, a fine daikon waits—

A recipe flashes through my mind

Ginger, soy sauce, mirin, and sake—

All I need now is time and heart

Scald the scraps, blanch the bones

Remove the fishy scent, the scales are gone

Trim the daikon, score it deep—

A pre-boil keeps the whiteness neat

Tonight, I’ll have Buri daikon — it is!

Both my body and soul begin to unwind

Tonight, I’ll have Buri daikon — it is!

My rice is waiting, steaming hot and kind

It tastes like winter, warming me inside

Daikon and buri lined up in the pot

Simmering gently in savory stock

Start with high heat, then let it rest—

Winter’s fragrance fills the kitchen air

Straighten my back, a deep, calm breath—

Time slows down, and flavors spread

Adjust the flame as broth reduces

Lift the lid, let gentle steam greet me

When the glaze appears, it’s almost done

Once the flavor soaks in—it’s won

Tonight, I’ll have Buri daikon — it is!

If it’s simmered just right, that’s all I need

Tonight, I’ll have Buri daikon — it is!

Just a little taste, I say with a smile

But my chopsticks won’t stop for a while

Even if it’s not for someone else

There are nights I simmer for me

Beyond the steam, something glows—

A small reward for living today

Kohn ya ha Buri daikon(It is)

So simple, yet I hold it with pride

Kohn ya ha Buri daikon(It is)

Touch it with my chopsticks, and it falls apart

A taste that speaks of eating the day