Get ready to experience the flavors of Hiroshima from the comfort of your own kitchen! Join Japan-America Society of North Carolina (JASNC) for the February edition of the family-friendly online Japanese home cooking class series おうちごはん OUCHI GOHAN and cook along or just watch from your own kitchen! On the menu this month is HIROSHIMA-STYLE OKONOMIYAKI!

Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake layered with noodles, cabbage, a crepe-like base, and bean sprouts with savory sauces and delicious toppings. This interactive, family-friendly online cooking class will be led by Guest Chef Megumi (aka Meg) Gomez from Otafuku, the renowned Japanese sauce manufacturer. Meg, originally from Hiroshima, brings a deep passion for sharing authentic Japanese cuisine and will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating this iconic dish.

We are excited to partner with Table for Two and Otafuku for this unique culinary experience. Perfect for all skill levels, this program offers a fun and interactive way for families to cook together and explore Japanese cuisine.

Members of other Japan/Japan America Societies—please enter your society’s discount code at checkout for member pricing. Advance ticket purchase required. One registration per family.

The recipe card with ingredient list and Zoom link will be provided a few days before the event. 

About the Special Guest:

About the Instructor:

Debra Samuels leads the program content and curriculum development of TABLE FOR TWO USA’s Japanese inspired food education program, “Wa- Shokuiku -Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!”.

She was a food writer and contributor to the Food Section of The Boston Globe and has authored two cookbooks: “My Japanese Table,” and “The Korean Table.” She curated the exhibit, “Obento and Built Space: Japanese Boxed Lunch and Architecture,” at the Boston Architectural College (2015) and co-curated “Objects of Use and Beauty: Design and Craft in Japanese Culinary Tools,” at the Fuller Craft Museum (2018). Debra also worked as a program coordinator and an exhibition developer at the Japanese department of the Boston Children's Museum (1992-2000).

Debra has lived in Japan, all together, for 12 years and specializes in Japanese cuisine. She travels around the country and abroad teaching hands on workshops on obento, the Japanese lunchbox. During Covid 19 she is teaching live online cooking programs to youth and adults.

This program is made possible by:

Program Note: Photographs may be taken during the event for the records of the program host and for use in public media outlets. Registering for the event generally signifies acknowledgment that your likeness may be used in these ways.

Treat yourself each month to Japanese Sweets at the JASH office. This month, enjoy Japanese wagashi made by Oyatsu Aoi.

A variety of traditional Japanese sweets will be available for purchase by Oyatsu Aoi during the event. This week’s menu will contain the below items:

• Strawberry Mochi

• Tapioca Mochi (120g)

• Dorayaki

• Yomogi (Japanese mugwort) Mochi

• Matcha Cheesecake

• Dango

Cashless payments will be accepted. While the sweets will be readily available to the public during the event, click the button below to contact Oyatsu Aoi directly to confirm the items that will be available and pre-order your favorite treats.

Pre-orders must be placed no later than Wednesday, February 19.

About Oyatsu Aoi:

Originally from Kyoto, Oyatsu Aoi crafts handmade, all natural and additive-free, everyday wagashi, taking special care to incorporate seasonal ingredients.

The Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, in observance of Presidents Day.

Normal business hours and classes will resume on February 18.

Join JASH at Evelyn’s Park on the second Saturday of every month to experience the art of origami!

Each session will have a theme highlighting a specific Japanese holiday or celebration. Participants of all ages can enjoy mastering this art form through three designs of various difficulty. From beginners to advanced practitioners, there is an origami pattern for everyone.

February Theme: Valentine’s Day Hearts

Looking for a special way to celebrate Valentine's Day weekend with your family and your loved ones? Join us for a fun and creative activity: folding your own origami hearts! This event is perfect for kids and families of all ages.

The three (3) origami patterns ranging from beginner to advanced are available for participants to enjoy.

Make a pocket heart, a two-color heart, and/or a heart within a heart!

PROGRAM PARTNER:

Treat yourself to delicious baked goods from Houston’s#1 authentic Japanese baker Sugar and Wheat Authentic Japanese Bakery.

Payment can be made by cash or card. While the sweets will be readily available to the public during the event, click the button below to contact Sugar and Wheat directly to confirm the items that will be available and pre-order your favorite treats.

This month’s menu is:

• Garlic cheese sausage bread

• Corn mayonnaise bread

• Strawberry sandwich roll

• Chocolate sandwich roll

• Melon bread

• Chocolate melon bread

• Strawberry and white chocolate scones

Pre-orders must be placed no later than Wednesday, February 12.

Japanese language learners of all levels and ages in the Greater Houston area are invited to demonstrate their oral Japanese communication skills for a chance to compete at the Texas State Japanese Language Speech Contest at the 2025 Houston Regional Japanese Language Speech Contest. 

The contest strives to bring together the Japanese and American communities to advocate for and to celebrate Japanese language learning, and to encourage students to further their understanding of Japan, its people, and its culture.

For more information on contest divisions, format, eligibility and rules, please review the contest handbook.

Registration for the Houston Regional Japanese Language Speech Contest is now OPEN. Click the button below to register:

COMPETITION SCHEDULE (subject to change)

• 11:30AM | REGISTRATION

• 12:00PM | OPENING CEREMONY

• 12:30PM | COMPETITION

• 12:30PM | DIVISION 3 – FREE SPEECH HIGH SCHOOL AURORA

• 2:20PM | DIVISION 1 – POETRY

• 2:40PM | DIVISION 2 - HAIKU

• 2:55PM | DIVISION 4 – FREE SPEECH COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

• 4:00PM | CLOSING CEREMONY & AWARDS PRESENTATION

Sponsored by:

Experience the wonder of Japan in Levy Park on the first Wednesday of every month with JASH at Japan Junction. Kids of all ages will enjoy expanding their cultural horizons through kamishibai “paper drama” storytelling and fun crafts that highlight Japanese traditions from origami to woodblock print making and more!

ヒューストン日米協会（JASH）は、毎月第1水曜日にLevy Parkで日本の素晴らしさを体験できるイベント“Japan Junction”を開催します。日本の昔話を紙芝居で紹介し、そして折り紙から木版画まで様々な日本の伝統文化を感じられるクラフト作りを通して、子供たちが楽しみながら文化的な視野を広げる機会を提供します。

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE 2024 FALL GARDEN CLEANUP HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 25, 2025.

Every fall, we come together to ensure the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park looks its best!

From cleaning the teahouse to pulling weeds and clearing ball moss -- there is so much to be done and only a short period of time to do it in!  Tools & instructions will be provided by the Hermann Park Conservancy staff.  Volunteers are encouraged to bring your own gloves, individual water bottles, sunscreen, and insect repellent, if needed.

Each volunteer must register individually. Please fill out the form below to register:

毎年恒例になりました、秋の日本庭園清掃が、1月25日（土）午前9時より Hermann Park内日本庭園で行われます。当日は、清掃に必要な道具は公園側で用意されております。公園スタッフの指導のもと、楽しく作業をする予定です。屋外での作業となりますので、各自お飲み物、日焼け止め、虫除け等をご準備されることをお勧めします。ご家族、お友達をお誘いの上、是非ご参加ください！

グループで参加をご希望の場合も、お申し込みはお1人ずつお願い致します。

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Treat yourself to delicious baked goods from Houston’s#1 authentic Japanese baker Sugar and Wheat Authentic Japanese Bakery.

Payment can be made by cash or card. While the sweets will be readily available to the public during the event, click the button below to contact Sugar and Wheat directly to confirm the items that will be available and pre-order your favorite treats.

Pre-orders must be placed no later than Wednesday, January 22.

The Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Japanese private tutoring sessions and group Japanese classes have also been cancelled.

Normal business hours and classes will resume on January 21.

Every year, more than 25,000 racers from across the globe descend upon Houston for the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon.

As runners tackle Houston’s highly acclaimed course, JASH will be joining the more than 250,000 supporters and spectators in sharing Houston’s hospitality.

Come help us cheer on the runners to the finish line in Japanese fashion!

JASH has been placed on MILE 7 of the course at the intersection of Bissonnet & Hazard in front of Picnic Box Lunches. Please click here to view the 2025 course map with road closures. 

To join the JASH HOOPLA BRIGADE, please complete the form below. 

Should you wish to register as a group, please contact Ikuyo Katayama at ikatayama@jas-hou.org.

We look forward to seeing you on January 19!

Join JASH at Evelyn’s Park on the second Saturday of every month to experience the art of origami!

Each session will have a theme highlighting a specific Japanese holiday or celebration. Participants of all ages can enjoy mastering this art form through three designs of various difficulty. From beginners to advanced practitioners, there is an origami pattern for everyone.

January Theme: New Year Resolution Origami

Looking for a fun way to make a New Year’s resolution or shinnen-no hofu? Join the monthly “Family Fold” at Evelyn’s Park for a unique way to commit to your 2025 goals!

As the YEAR OF THE SNAKE begins, drive away bad luck and wish for good with origami.

The three (3) origami patterns ranging from beginner to advanced are available for participants to enjoy.

Make an ema, a daruma, and/or a snake!

PROGRAM PARTNER:

Join Japan-America Society of Washington D.C. (JASWDC) for the New Year edition of the family-friendly online Japanese home cooking class series おうちごはん OUCHI GOHAN and cook along or just watch from your own kitchen! On the menu this month is OSECHI-RYORI!

Celebrate Japanese New Year, or “Oshogatsu” with us and make some of the special foods, known as “Osechi-ryori“. Beautiful and full of symbolism for luck and fortune in the coming new year, families gather for a wonderful homemade feast.  For our special Japanese New Year Ouchigohan session, we will make 3 items to enjoy: Yawata maki: rolled beef with carrots and string beans simmered in Teriyaki Sauce, refreshing Namasu salad with shredded daikon and carrots, and a delicious apple Kinton made with sweet potato and apple mash, twisted into a “pouch of gold.”
We will also play a popular New Year’s game, “Fukuwarai” – The Lucky Laugh game.

We look forward to welcoming in the New Year with you and our Ouchigohan Family!

Members of other Japan/Japan America Societies—please enter your society’s discount code at checkout for member pricing. Advance ticket purchase required. One registration per family.

The recipe card with ingredient list and Zoom link will be provided a few days before the event. 

About the Instructor:

Debra Samuels leads the program content and curriculum development of TABLE FOR TWO USA’s Japanese inspired food education program, “Wa- Shokuiku -Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!”.

She was a food writer and contributor to the Food Section of The Boston Globe and has authored two cookbooks: “My Japanese Table,” and “The Korean Table.” She curated the exhibit, “Obento and Built Space: Japanese Boxed Lunch and Architecture,” at the Boston Architectural College (2015) and co-curated “Objects of Use and Beauty: Design and Craft in Japanese Culinary Tools,” at the Fuller Craft Museum (2018). Debra also worked as a program coordinator and an exhibition developer at the Japanese department of the Boston Children's Museum (1992-2000).

Debra has lived in Japan, all together, for 12 years and specializes in Japanese cuisine. She travels around the country and abroad teaching hands on workshops on obento, the Japanese lunchbox. During Covid 19 she is teaching live online cooking programs to youth and adults.

About #OnigriAction:

#OnigiriAction is an annual autumn social good campaign connecting the simple act of taking a photo with helping to feed school children in need. Every rice ball-related post on the global campaign website or your social media channel with the tag #OnigiriAction will provide five school meals to children in need around the world.

This program is made possible by:

Program Note: Photographs may be taken during the event for the records of the program host and for use in public media outlets. Registering for the event generally signifies acknowledgment that your likeness may be used in these ways.

Celebrate the start of 2025 at the third annual JAPAN JUNCTION OSHOGATSU NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION.

The FREE, family-friendly event will feature live performances, traditional Japanese games, omikuji fortune telling,  and craft stations.

Try your hand at kakizome (the first Japanese calligraphy of the year).  Decorate your own hagoita/battledore. Color a daruma .  Fold origami. Pound mochi.  And more!!

Live performances and food concessions will also be featured.

Make Japan a part of your new year festivities and ensure good fortune stays with you throughout the whole year. 

VOLUNTEER

JASH is looking for volunteers to help make this Oshogatsu Celebration a success! Sign-up through the form below:

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN PARTICIPATING IN THE OSHOGATSU CELEBRATION. THIS FORM IS NOW CLOSED.

Join Japan-America Society of Georgia (JASG) for the December Holiday edition of the family-friendly online Japanese home cooking class series おうちごはん OUCHI GOHAN and cook along or just watch from your own kitchen! On the menu this month is MATCHA MOCHI CUPCAKES & MATCHA LATTE!

MATCHA MOCHI CUPCAKES are delightfully bouncy, slightly sticky, and just the right amount of sweet. Made with rice flour and infused with the earthy, vibrant flavor of matcha, these chewy, sweet treats are the perfect mash-up of Japanese mochi and cupcakes! Each bite is a cozy hug with a hint of green tea magic!

MATCHA LATTE blends the rich, earthy flavor of finely ground green tea powder with silky milk for a smooth, slightly sweet pick-me-up. It's like sipping on a treat from your favorite café, only greener and packed with antioxidants!

As a bonus activity, we will also learn now to make ORIGAMI MASU BOX while waiting for the cupcakes to bake. Join us as this event will be a perfect way to prepare for the holidays through fun, food, and crafts!

Members of other Japan/Japan America Societies—please enter your society’s discount code at checkout for member pricing. Advance ticket purchase required. One registration per family.

The recipe card with ingredient list and Zoom link will be provided a few days before the event. 

About the Instructor:

Debra Samuels leads the program content and curriculum development of TABLE FOR TWO USA’s Japanese inspired food education program, “Wa- Shokuiku -Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!”.

She was a food writer and contributor to the Food Section of The Boston Globe and has authored two cookbooks: “My Japanese Table,” and “The Korean Table.” She curated the exhibit, “Obento and Built Space: Japanese Boxed Lunch and Architecture,” at the Boston Architectural College (2015) and co-curated “Objects of Use and Beauty: Design and Craft in Japanese Culinary Tools,” at the Fuller Craft Museum (2018). Debra also worked as a program coordinator and an exhibition developer at the Japanese department of the Boston Children's Museum (1992-2000).

Debra has lived in Japan, all together, for 12 years and specializes in Japanese cuisine. She travels around the country and abroad teaching hands on workshops on obento, the Japanese lunchbox. During Covid 19 she is teaching live online cooking programs to youth and adults.

About #OnigriAction:

#OnigiriAction is an annual autumn social good campaign connecting the simple act of taking a photo with helping to feed school children in need. Every rice ball-related post on the global campaign website or your social media channel with the tag #OnigiriAction will provide five school meals to children in need around the world.

This program is made possible by:

Program Note: Photographs may be taken during the event for the records of the program host and for use in public media outlets. Registering for the event generally signifies acknowledgment that your likeness may be used in these ways.

Treat yourself each month to Japanese Sweets and Breads at the JASH office. This month, we celebrate the return of wagashi maker Oyatsu Aoi, along with Sugar and Wheat Authentic Japanese Bakery.

A variety of traditional Japanese sweets will be available for purchase by Oyatsu Aoi during the event.

Payment can be made by cash or card. While the sweets will be readily available to the public during the event, click the button below to contact Oyatsu Aoi directly to confirm the items that will be available and pre-order your favorite treats.

Pre-orders must be placed no later than Wednesday, December 18.

In addition, hand-crafted baked goods will be available for purchase by Sugar and Wheat.

Payment can be made by cash or card. While the sweets will be readily available to the public during the event, click the button below to contact Sugar and Wheat directly to confirm the items that will be available and pre-order your favorite treats.

Pre-orders must be placed no later than Wednesday, December 18.

About Oyatsu Aoi:

Originally from Kyoto, Oyatsu Aoi crafts handmade, all natural and additive-free, everyday wagashi, taking special care to incorporate seasonal ingredients.

Join JASH at Evelyn’s Park on the second Saturday of every month to experience the art of origami!

Each session will have a theme highlighting a specific Japanese holiday or celebration. Participants of all ages can enjoy mastering this art form through three designs of various difficulty. From beginners to advanced practitioners, there is an origami pattern for everyone.

December Theme: Holiday Origami

PROGRAM PARTNER:

Experience the wonder of Japan in Levy Park on the first Wednesday of every month with JASH at Japan Junction. Kids of all ages will enjoy expanding their cultural horizons through kamishibai “paper drama” storytelling and fun crafts that highlight Japanese traditions from origami to woodblock print making and more!

ヒューストン日米協会（JASH）は、毎月第1水曜日にLevy Parkで日本の素晴らしさを体験できるイベント“Japan Junction”を開催します。日本の昔話を紙芝居で紹介し、そして折り紙から木版画まで様々な日本の伝統文化を感じられるクラフト作りを通して、子供たちが楽しみながら文化的な視野を広げる機会を提供します。

Due to inclement weather, this event has been rescheduled to Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

The inaugural U.S.-Japan Space Forum in Texas offers a unique opportunity to explore the pivotal role of the U.S.-Japan space alliance in the new era of space exploration. As public-private partnerships flourish in lunar surface development, the forum will highlight the growing commitments to research and development by NASA and JAXA, alongside contributions from U.S. and Japanese academic and business sectors.

Engage with industry leaders from renowned organizations, including Intuitive Machines, Lonestar, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Toyota. Speakers will share insights on collaborative innovations and the future of space exploration.

Join us exploring the evolving landscape of space technology and international cooperation.

This program is FREE with registration. Please fill out the form below to register by Monday, December 09:

REGISTRATION FOR THIS PROGRAM IS NOW CLOSED.

FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING, WALK-UP REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE STARTING AT 2:30 PM.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

PANELISTS:

• Dr. Timothy CRAIN, Chief Growth Officer, CTO & Co-founder, Intuitive Machines

• Hiroto HASHIMOTO, Chief Designer, Toyota Motor Corporation

• Yorichika MIHARA, SVP, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc.

• Chris STOTT, CEO, Lonestar Data Holdings Inc.

MODERATOR:

• Dr. David ALEXANDER, Director, Rice Space Institute

The December program is co-presented by:

• Japan-America Society of Houston

• Consulate General of Japan in Houston.

Support for the December program is provided by:

• Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

• Rice Space Institute

JASH will once again be walking as a group with the Sister Cities of Houston float in the 75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade on behalf of our Sister City in Japan, Chiba City and we want YOU to join us.

Participants must be able and willing to walk the entire parade route, over 20 city blocks. To see the parade route, click HERE.

Meet up and parking instructions will be available to volunteers closer to the event date.

Fill out the form below in order to participate in this special event:

Treat yourself to a variety of mouthwatering baked goods during the Japanese Bread Pop Up Day by Sugar and Wheat Authentic Japanese Bakery at the JASH office.

PLEASE NOTE: Mochi will NOT be available at this pop up.

Payment can be made by cash or card. While the sweets will be readily available to the public during the event, click the button below to contact Sugar and Wheat directly to confirm the items that will be available and pre-order your favorite treats.

Pre-orders must be placed no later than Wednesday, November 20.

As the U.S. and Japan mark 170 years of “permanent friendship,” Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) is eager to highlight the importance of the U.S.-Japan relationship in Houston as we commemorate our own 56th anniversary.

Join us on Tuesday, November 19, for JASH BASH 2024 at BAYOU MUSIC CENTER.

JASH BASH 2024 | Event Schedule*

*subject to change

For information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities, click on the buttons below:

Who doesn’t love the idea of reaching into the fridge, freezer, or pantry and putting together a delicious lunch (or dinner) in minutes, creating a meal worthy of an Instagram post? We know just how much planning, provisions, and prep it takes to pull off nutritious meals that come together to feed yourself and your family.

Tsukurioki (作り置き) is the Japanese concept making that dream into reality! Japanese style meal prep is different from typical meal prep: you still prep/cook some components ahead of time, but by keeping each ingredient/dish in separate containers, you can still enjoy freshly made meals during the work week.

Join Japan Society of Boston (JSB) for the November edition of the family-friendly online Japanese home cooking class series おうちごはん！ Ouchigohan! – Japanese Home Cooking, and cook along or just watch from your own kitchen to learn a few tricks and tuck away a work week’s worth of simple dishes for you to make.

We will learn how to cook and freeze rice in perfect portions, stretch a pound of ground chicken into tasty meat balls and patties, pickle cauliflower, marinate hard boiled eggs in a sweet soy sauce, crush sesame seeds for a dressing to use over a variety of veggies, and pull a few staples from the pantry to mix and match for a new dish every day. No fancy containers necessary to master the art of Japanese tsukurioki!

Only one registration needed per household.

Members of other Japan/Japan America Societies—please enter your society’s discount code at checkout for member pricing. Advance ticket purchase required. One registration per family.

The recipe card with ingredient list and Zoom link will be provided a few days before the event. 

About the Instructor:

Debra Samuels leads the program content and curriculum development of TABLE FOR TWO USA’s Japanese inspired food education program, “Wa- Shokuiku -Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!”.

She was a food writer and contributor to the Food Section of The Boston Globe and has authored two cookbooks: “My Japanese Table,” and “The Korean Table.” She curated the exhibit, “Obento and Built Space: Japanese Boxed Lunch and Architecture,” at the Boston Architectural College (2015) and co-curated “Objects of Use and Beauty: Design and Craft in Japanese Culinary Tools,” at the Fuller Craft Museum (2018). Debra also worked as a program coordinator and an exhibition developer at the Japanese department of the Boston Children's Museum (1992-2000).

Debra has lived in Japan, all together, for 12 years and specializes in Japanese cuisine. She travels around the country and abroad teaching hands on workshops on obento, the Japanese lunchbox. During Covid 19 she is teaching live online cooking programs to youth and adults.

About #OnigriAction:

#OnigiriAction is an annual autumn social good campaign connecting the simple act of taking a photo with helping to feed school children in need. Every rice ball-related post on the global campaign website or your social media channel with the tag #OnigiriAction will provide five school meals to children in need around the world.

This program is made possible by:

Program Note: Photographs may be taken during the event for the records of the program host and for use in public media outlets. Registering for the event generally signifies acknowledgment that your likeness may be used in these ways.

Join JASH at Evelyn’s Park on the second Saturday of every month to experience the art of origami!

Each session will have a theme highlighting a specific Japanese holiday or celebration. Participants of all ages can enjoy mastering this art form through three designs of various difficulty. From beginners to advanced practitioners, there is an origami pattern for everyone.

November Theme: Traditional Shapes

November 11 is Origami no Hi or Origami Day in Japan. Established in 1980, this unofficial holiday honors the ancient Japanese art of creating intricate objects and complex shapes out of square pieces of paper.

The word origami comes from the combination of two Japanese words: ori, meaning to fold, and kami, meaning paper.

As we celebrate both Origami Day, we will be folding three traditional origami shapes, a cup, a balloon, and a box. The three (3) origami patterns ranging from beginner to advanced are available for participants to enjoy.

PROGRAM PARTNER:

Experience the wonder of Japan in Levy Park on the first Wednesday of every month with JASH at Japan Junction. Kids of all ages will enjoy expanding their cultural horizons through kamishibai “paper drama” storytelling and fun crafts that highlight Japanese traditions from origami to woodblock print making and more!

ヒューストン日米協会（JASH）は、毎月第1水曜日にLevy Parkで日本の素晴らしさを体験できるイベント“Japan Junction”を開催します。日本の昔話を紙芝居で紹介し、そして折り紙から木版画まで様々な日本の伝統文化を感じられるクラフト作りを通して、子供たちが楽しみながら文化的な視野を広げる機会を提供します。

Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia (JASGP) is hosting the October edition of the online Japanese home cooking class series おうちごはん！ Ouchigohan! – Japanese Home Cooking and cook along or just watch from your own kitchen.

Let’s make one of Japan’s most popular on-the go meals, Onigiri! And join #OnigiriAction, TABLE FOR TWO’s annual social good campaign. Onigiri is a rice ball typically filled with protein or vegetables. This beloved dish is made in every home for snacks, bento and picnics. The class will be hosted by Ouchigohan’s Debra Samuels and taught by guest sensei Kimono Mom, MOE! Kimono Mom is a famous Japanese influencer, with over 2 million followers on Instagram, who cooks along with her adorable daughter Sutan. We will be making 3 different kinds of onigiri; a selection of Kimono Mom and Sutan’s favorites!

Members of other Japan/Japan America Societies—please enter your society’s discount code at checkout for member pricing. Advance ticket purchase required. One registration per family.

The recipe card with ingredient list and Zoom link will be provided a few days before the event. 

About the Instructor:

Debra Samuels leads the program content and curriculum development of TABLE FOR TWO USA’s Japanese inspired food education program, “Wa- Shokuiku -Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!”.

She was a food writer and contributor to the Food Section of The Boston Globe and has authored two cookbooks: “My Japanese Table,” and “The Korean Table.” She curated the exhibit, “Obento and Built Space: Japanese Boxed Lunch and Architecture,” at the Boston Architectural College (2015) and co-curated “Objects of Use and Beauty: Design and Craft in Japanese Culinary Tools,” at the Fuller Craft Museum (2018). Debra also worked as a program coordinator and an exhibition developer at the Japanese department of the Boston Children's Museum (1992-2000).

Debra has lived in Japan, all together, for 12 years and specializes in Japanese cuisine. She travels around the country and abroad teaching hands on workshops on obento, the Japanese lunchbox. During Covid 19 she is teaching live online cooking programs to youth and adults.

About #OnigriAction:

#OnigiriAction is an annual autumn social good campaign connecting the simple act of taking a photo with helping to feed school children in need. Every rice ball-related post on the global campaign website or your social media channel with the tag #OnigiriAction will provide five school meals to children in need around the world.

This program is made possible by:

Program Note: Photographs may be taken during the event for the records of the program host and for use in public media outlets. Registering for the event generally signifies acknowledgment that your likeness may be used in these ways.