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Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!

Introducing a new and unique food education program by TABLE FOR TWO USA

 
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The Wa-Shokuiku program is inspired and informed by the educational philosophy, flavors and food of Japan.

Wa-Shokuiku combines the Japanese words “Washoku(和食)” which refers to Japanese food and, “Shokuiku(食育)”, food education. Washoku, literally harmony in food, is recognized as one of the world’s healthiest diets. Shokuiku, a government-mandated school curriculum in Japan, promotes knowledge about food as well as the ability to make appropriate food choices. Food knowledge can include basic understanding of nutrients, manners, understanding and appreciating the labor and production necessary for to create a meal and food environment. 

 
 
 
 
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Wa-Shokuiku Program Focuses

 
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1. Preparing Delicious & Healthy Washoku

 

Japanese Food Knowledge:
Origin, nutrition and preparation of basic Japanese recipes  

Balanced Diet:
Variety of methods to introduce concepts of a balanced diet. Ex: 5 colors (red, green, yellow, black, white); 5 tastes (bitter, sour, salty, sweet, savory); 5 senses (smell, taste, touch, sight, sound)

Presentation:
Me de taberu – Eat with your eyes

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2. The “Washoku” World

Manners and Customs:
Eating together (Kazoku danran); Proper placement of plate and chopsticks; Chopstick etiquette

Respect and Appreciation:
Itadakimasu; Gochisosama deshita

Hygiene:
Wash hands and learn to count to 10 in Japanese

Language:
Simple Japanese words relevant to the topic

3. Making a difference the Wa-Shokuiku Way

Food-related issues in local and global communities:
Food waste; Unwholesome eating; Food insecurity

Japanese inspired daily actions and habits to address food issues:
Mottainai - not to be wasteful; Harahachibu - eat until 80% full; TABLE FOR TWO program/osusowake – share what you have with others; Japanese Kyushoku concept - school lunch

 

 

 
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Instagram Feed @Tftamerica

Students in Los Angeles enjoyed a fun - and delicious - afternoon making and packing their own bento lunch boxes. We had a special guest teacher from @zojirushiamerica who has been supporting Wa-Shokuiku since the launch. From using their hands to form rice balls to shaking up quick cucumber pickles, students got to learn about nutrition, while experiencing the enjoyment of Japanese cooking from scratch! #washokuiku
Our #washokuiku curriculum introduces American school children to the Japanese approach to school lunch. In Japan, school lunch (or kyushoku) is more than just a meal. It is a chance to learn about health, etiquette, responsibility, and mindfulness. We were excited to bring our "kyushoku" lesson to a local school in Washington, D.C. Students learned about social responsibility by helping to serve their classmates. Want to implement our curriculum in your school? Just reach out!
We really enjoyed the Bento Workshop with Japan Outreach Initiative at UTSA - The University of Texas at San Antonio. Thank you for having us visit! After an introduction to food education and bento culture by TABLE FOR TWO President Mayumi Uejima-Carr, Chef Andy Matsuda a from the @sushichefinstitute led a demonstration showing various techniques for making fun and healthy bento boxes. Next the participants competed to see who could make the most creative bento box using the same basic ingredients. Three prizes for "Outstanding Bento" were awarded. However, we felt inspired seeing the creativity of everyone who joined the event! We hope that San Antonian's were able to learn how delicious - and fun! - Japanese food is. Here is what people had to say - "I was interested to learn that food sciences are required by law. I think that's a great policy to have, and I wish it was something American schools did." "I was interested to learn about importance of color: black, red, white, yellow, green, and the incorporation of nature and the seasons into the presentation of food, as well as sourcing foods that are local and in season to cool or warm the body." Thank you for the great feedback! #washokuiku
Wa-Shokuiku event at at at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School! Enthusiastic staff from OtaJoy (including the company's President!) helped us teach high school students how to make Japanese savory pancakes (or okonomiyaki). The pancakes are full of healthy, nutritious vegetables and delicious with sweet, savory okonomiyaki sauce from OtaJoy. Thank you. #WaShokuiku