Latest news with #Arakawa
The Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Japanese outlet Nikaku serves a pork-free, alcohol-free omakase menu for all
Perched in a quiet nook in Lot 10's Isetan department store in Kuala Lumpur is Nikaku. The restaurant is a tiny little oasis of calm, bookmarked by an open kitchen bordered by a long counter dotted with chairs. Interestingly, Nikaku is an offshoot of KL's famed Sushi Azabu, which itself is a sister restaurant of the original Michelin-starred Sushi Azabu in New York, United States. The creative force behind Nikaku is executive chef Masaki Arakawa, a charismatic, seasoned Japanese culinary maven who trained in kaiseki in Nagoya, and went to sushi school in Osaka. Arawaka also helms KL's Sushi Azabu although mostly from a managerial perspective now. Nikaku emerged because Arakawa had married a Malaysian woman and embraced Islam. After converting, he realised there was a dearth of Japanese omakase restaurants and sushi restaurants that were pork-free and alcohol-free. So he decided to create one. Arakawa is the talented chef behind Nikaku's inclusive omakase sushi menus. 'Most of the high-end Japanese omakase restaurants use alcohol, so it is very hard to find a restaurant that caters to everyone. So we decided to make Nikaku a sushi omakase space for all Malaysians to enjoy the food,' he says. The kitchen team consists entirely of Malaysian chefs trained at Sushi Azabu or under Arakawa's watchful eye. While the food is alcohol-free and pork-free, the restaurant itself is not halal certified as the beverage list includes alcoholic options. Arakawa says that initially, there was scepticism about the restaurant's core ethos as people couldn't fathom what he was trying to do. 'For the first few months, people didn't understand why we were doing this omakase menu without alcohol, because omakase without alcohol hasn't really been done before. But gradually they started to understand the concept,' he says. At Nikaku, all the staff are locals who are trained in the art of sushi-making. This is done by design so if new branches are opened, local chefs will be put in charge. — ABIRAMI DURAI/The Star Arakawa adds that having a menu like this means it is much easier for him to cater to larger corporate events without having to struggle to find recipes or adapt existing ones. At Nikaku, there are plenty of sushi omakase menus to whet the appetite, but if you have the time, look at indulging in the eatery's signature Malaya Mae Omakase (RM398 per person). There is a conscious effort to use as many local ingredients as possible on the menu, so you'll discover a wealth of ingredients that reflect Malaysian sea and soil. Highlights from the menu include the seasonal sip, or Japanese onion soup infused with soy milk. The soup is a nourishing, satiating winner that has hints of allium fused into its internal blueprint, giving it a divergent slant that ends up being wholly memorable. The teriyaki chicken features beautifully grilled chicken with a blistered, lightly charred outer core that segues to incredibly tender meat. — ABIRAMI DURAI/The Star The teriyaki chicken is part of the Arang Bakar course of the menu and features chicken slathered in a teriyaki sauce that incorporates the use of white corn from Cameron Highlands. The chicken is cooked over a Japanese Binchotan grill and retains a lovely blistered outer surface that melds into juicy, succulent meat inside. The smoked yellowtail with ponzu sauce is another revelatory affair that highlights the suppleness of the fish against a smoky backdrop that casts it in a mysterious glow. The smoked yellowtail sashimi is a silken temptress with a decadent mouthfeel. — Photos: ABIRAMI DURAI/The Star One of the most memorable offerings on the menu is definitely the locally-sourced green river prawn crusted with a miso mayonnaise. Here, the fleshy, voluptuous sweetness of the prawn is juxtaposed against the creamy, umami-laced richness of the mayonnaise in what proves to be one of the most successful marriages to emerge from a meal here. Sushi is one of the highlights of the omakase menu and there is a rich range of mostly Japanese fish and other aquatics to fill your belly. Arakawa says this was a decision that was made after every effort was expended to incorporate local seafood into sushi – an endeavour that failed miserably. The mackerel sushi features a slightly oily, supple slice of fish that also has a dab of spring onions and ginger for contrast. — ABIRAMI DURAI/The Star 'Normally when we age Japanese fish, it becomes more umami and the flavour becomes more intense. "But when we did it with the local fish, it became more fishy. And we tried with so many fish – like grouper and nyok nyok – but it just didn't work, so we shifted to Japanese ingredients,' he explains. From what's on the table, indulge in the Japanese aji (mackerel) sushi with spring onion and ginger. The sushi is light and delicate with fish that has attributes of the sea harbouring beneath its supple, slightly oleaginous flesh. The rice in this configuration is moulded to the fish and offers just enough starch to tie this all together beautifully. The salmon sushi features fat, voluptuously silken fish draped atop rice. Then there is the shima aji or amberjack sushi, which is drizzled with yuzu skin shavings for a touch of acidity. The amberjack is plump and has a silk-like quality that makes it almost dissolve in the mouth upon contact. Last but not least is the salmon sushi, which features salmon marinated in miso paste. The salmon here is fat and velvety to the touch and this unctuousness is countenanced by the rice and vinegar that lines its base and gives it a heartfelt culmination that peaks in complete and total euphoria. The chawanmushi is sensationally good. Next up is Nikaku's chawanmushi, which is honestly a thing of beauty. The steamed egg custard is cloudy, pillowy soft and this goodness is accentuated by the glossy ikura pearls layered atop, which add richness and umami to this comfort food. The chirashi bowl served next features marinated raw uni (sea urchin), salmon, tuna and scallops sliced into pieces and scattered over a bed of rice in what proves to be a hedonistic dive into delicious underwater territory. Sliced sea urchin, salmon, tuna and scallop will vie for your affections in this delicious bowl of chirashi. Ultimately, a meal at Nikaku takes diners on a journey of discovery through the wonders of Japanese sushi and omakase culture. It's also interesting that a meal here never makes you point out the omission of pork or alcohol on the menu, mostly because you won't even notice they're missing. The food speaks for itself – and that's saying a lot. Which is why Arakawa is so keen to expand Nikaku's footprint overseas. In fact, the determined chef has already set his sights on the Middle East. 'I did a lot of market research a few months ago and because we are focusing on the Muslim market, I see a lot of potential in places like Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. 'There are many sushi restaurants there but the quality is not like in Malaysia, so I want to elevate it. Hopefully I can find a good partner or investor to work with and open Nikaku in the Middle East,' says Arakawa, smiling. Open daily: 12pm to 3pm; 6pm to 11pm
Hypebeast
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Hiromu Arakawa's ‘Daemons of the Shadow Realm' Gets Anime Adaptation
Summary Daemons of the Shadow Realm, a popular manga byFullmetal Alchemist'sHiromu Arakawa, is getting an anime adaptation. The news was first announced alongside other anime titles byCrunchyrollduring the Industry Panel at Anime Expo 2025. An official teaser trailer was also revealed, confirming production bybones film— the acclaimed studio behindFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. This marks a highly anticipated reunion between Arakawa and bones, whose previous collaboration is widely regarded as one of the most iconic anime series of all time. Studio president Masahiko Minami confirmed the creative team leading the adaptation: Masahiro Ando will direct, withGolden Kamuy's Noboru Takagi handling the script. Character design will be led by Nobuhiro Arai (Bungo Stray Dogs), whileRe:ZERO's Kenichiro Suehiro will compose the score. The story ofDaemons of the Shadow Realmis described as 'an otherworldly fantasy where mystery and the uncanny intertwine,' following twins Yuru and Asa as they uncover their supernatural birthright in a world governed by powerful entities known as Daemons. Originally serialized inSquare Enix'sMonthly Shonen Ganganin 2021, the manga has released nine volumes to date and earned praise for its atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth. The anime adaptation is expected to build on Arakawa's legacy of emotionally resonant fantasy, offering fans a new journey that blends intrigue, supernatural lore, and compelling sibling bonds. While no release date has been announced, Crunchyroll has already acquired overseas streaming rights for the series.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Gene Hackman Case: Betsy Arakawa Had Fluid In Her Lungs Before Death
Originally appeared on E! Online More details have come to light about Betsy Arakawa's health in the time leading up to her death. After Gene Hackman and his wife of 33 years were found dead inside their Santa Fe home, authorities found that Arakawa had fluid in her lungs, according to her autopsy report obtained by The Associated Press. The report, released April 29, showed that the 65-year-old had fluid accumulated in her chest, as well as mild hardening of the vessels that supply blood to the heart and body, per the outlet. The documents confirmed that she tested negative for COVID and the flu, her carbon monoxide levels were within a normal range and she showed no signs of trauma. Arakawa's cause of death was found to be hantavirus pulmonary syndrome—a respiratory illness that is transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents—the documents confirmed. Previously, officials had found evidence of dead and live rodents across eight buildings on their sprawling property, according to Department of Public Health records, per CNN. More from E! Online Michelle Obama Says Keeping Malia Obama and Sasha Obama's Smoking Out of Tabloids Was 'Nightmare' Niall Horan Reveals Where He Stands With Ed Sheeran After Ellie Goulding Cheating Rumors Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos React to Daughter Lola Consuelos' Relationship Milestone While their primary residence—where the bodies of Arakawa and Hackman and one of their dogs' bodies were found—didn't show signs of rodent activity, investigators also found nests and feces across their three garages, two casitas and three sheds. After Arakawa's death, Hackman, 95, died of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributing factor, according to a postmortem examination from the Office of the Medical Investigator obtained by NBC News. After their bodies were discovered, the couple's loved ones shared that they believe Arakawa, who was also Hackman's caretaker, likely didn't realize how sick she was. After all, only 122 cases of hantavirus were reported in New Mexico from 1993 to 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "I'm sure if Betsy knew how sick she was, she would've had some backup help," Stephen Marshall speculated in the Last Days of Gene Hackman: ABC News Special documentary. "She probably thought she was going to get better. She wasn't worried about herself. She was worried about taking care of Gene." Indeed, the couple's friends emphasized that Arakawa and Hackman, who wed in 1991, had a romance made for the silver screen. "He was a gentle giant, very calm," Kevin Bobolosky said of Hackman in the special. "Betsy, I think, mostly did all the cooking and cleaning on this big estate out of love. She just adored him. So they had everything they wanted." For a closer look at Hackman and Arakawa's deaths, keep reading. (E! and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.) Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Found Dead Feb. 26, 2025Gene Hackman Death Deemed "Suspicious Enough" to Conduct InvestigationItems of Interest Found in Gene Hackman's HomeA Timeline Slowly Comes Into FocusGene Hackman's Family Speaks OutInside Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's Private Life in Santa FeCarbon Monoxide Poisoning, Gas Leak Ruled OutCause of Death Determined for Gene Hackman, Betsy ArakawaHeartbreaking Death Timeline RevealedWhy Gene Hackman Couldn't Live Without His WifeUnexpected Timeline Twist For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Edmonton Journal
30-04-2025
- Health
- Edmonton Journal
Autopsy confirms Gene Hackman's wife died from hantavirus
Article content Hantavirus is a rare but potentially fatal disease spread by infected rodent droppings. Arakawa tested negative for COVID-19 and the flu and showed no signs of trauma, the autopsy report said. Her carbon monoxide levels were within normal range, and she tested positive for caffeine and negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs. Arakawa's autopsy and toxicology reports were released two days after similar documents on Hackman's death were made public, confirming his main cause of death was heart disease. The 95-year-old actor also was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease and likely had not eaten for a long time, according to his autopsy. He tested negative for hantavirus. Records released earlier in the investigation showed Arakawa made phone calls and internet searches as she scoured for information on flu-like symptoms and breathing techniques.
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Autopsy of Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa confirms she was killed by rat-borne virus
Harrowing new details have emerged from Gene Hackman 's wife's autopsy two months after she died from a rat-borne virus. Legendary actor Hackman, 95, and classical pianist wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead and partially mummified in their Santa Fe mansion on February 26, 2025. After much speculation, it was revealed Arakawa had died from Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) in their bathroom days before Hackman passed. Arakawa also had fluid accumulation in her chest and mild hardening of the vessels that supplied blood to the heart and body at the time of her death, according to the autopsy report obtained by The Associated Press. Arakawa tested negative for covid and the flu and showed no signs of trauma. She tested positive for caffeine and negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs, and her carbon monoxide levels were within a normal range. The final autopsy results for Hackman detailed the beloved Oscar winning actor's extensive medical history two months after he and his wife were found dead inside their home. Hackman had 'a 'history of congestive heart failure' and 'severe chronic hypertensive changes, kidneys,' Fox reported, citing the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico. He had a 'bi-ventricular pacemaker' since April 2019 and 'neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's,' according to the autopsy. 'Autopsy showed severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with placement of coronary artery stents and a bypass graft, as well as a previous aortic valve replacement,' the documents stated. 'Remote myocardial infarctions were present involving the left ventricular free wall and the septum, which were significantly large. Examination of the brain showed microscopic findings of advanced stage Alzheimer's disease.' Hackman tested negative for hantavirus. Police have since determined that Arakawa died first around February 12 as a result of respiratory symptoms caused by the rare but deadly virus, which is passed on through rodent urine, saliva and feces. She was 65. A report obtained by indicated that Arakawa had bookmarks on her computer suggesting that she had been researching medical conditions with symptoms similar to covid and flu prior to her death. 'Testing for carbon monoxide was less than 5 per cent saturation, in keeping with a normal range,' the medical examiner noted. Hackman also had trace amounts of acetone in his system at the time of his death, which could be a product of 'diabetic- and fasting-induced ketoacidosis.' Hackman, who was suffering from advanced Alzheimer's at the time, is believed to have wandered around the couple's home alone after his wife's death. Due to the advanced condition, he may not have ever realized his wife had died. The actor died nearly a week later around February 18, from severe heart disease, while Alzheimer's and kidney disease were contributing factors. A week after the bodies were discovered, the New Mexico Department of Public Health conducted a health assessment on the property. The department concluded that dead rodents and their nests were found in 'eight detached outbuildings' on the Hackman property, making it a 'breeding ground' for the hantavirus. The deadly hantavirus typically spreads through rodent urine and droppings that one may come into contact with when cleaning a basement or an attic. There were droppings found in three garages, two casitas, and three sheds on the property. Additionally, there was a live rodent, a dead rodent and a rodent nest found in three more garages on the property, according to the inspectors. There were also two vehicles seen on the estate that had evidence of rodents, and they even found traps in the buildings as well, suggesting this had been an ongoing issue for the Hackmans. The health assessment was conducted to assess whether first responders or others who were on the property were safe from the virus. Cops who combed their home following the gruesome discovery shared bodycam footage which captured how the couple's other heartbroken dog watched over Betsy's lifeless body as it lay surrounded by clutter. A series of heartbreaking notes were also found dotted around the house, each exchanged between the couple and showing their affection for one another until the end. Photos of their adored German Shepherds also adorned tables and sideboards, with smiling pictures of the couple with their old pets dating back years.
