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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

In "Foods from the Sea," one classroom session of our #WaShokuiku curriculum, students learn about the bounty of nutritious foods that come from the earth's oceans. With their new knowledge, students also had the chance to express appreciation for their meal with the Japanese phrase "Itadakimasu!"
65 (!) High school students in Bronx, New York participated in our #WaShokuiku classroom workshop on "Rice." We taught them about the basics of Japanese food and everyone had a chance to make their own creatively shaped Japanese rice ball. The students brought great creativity to the activity! We were also touched by all the positive feedback including: "You got to be involved in a different culture and their tradition, which was really cool" | "This was a great experience. I learned a lot of new things." | "I enjoyed the food, smiles, and creativity."
We were excited to participate in Harumatsuri at United Nations International School, an annual Japanese spring festival hosted by NECTJ, which brings Japan to New York Every year, more than 500 students, mostly high school students who are studying Japanese, participate. We showed students how to make their own Japanese rice balls (or onigiri) and make a difference through #OnigiriAction. Hopefully everyone enjoyed the chance not only to experience Japanese culture but also make some new friends! #WaShokuiku
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