How to Enjoy Japanese Food 101
Learn basic Japanese table manners while dining on shojin-ryori
(Buddhist vegan cuisine)
2019.8.24 Sat
Do you ever face challenges over not knowing proper Japanese table etiquette or how to deal with unfamiliar food when dining with Japanese business acquaintances or at the home of a Japanese friend?
This is your opportunity to learn basic table manners while enjoying an authentic Japanese meal of Buddhist vegan cuisine (shojin-ryori) at Hachinoki, one of Kita-Kamakura’s long-standing Japanese restaurants. With the help of an English interpreter, the restaurant owner, Mr. Joji Fujikawa, will guide you through helpful tips on Japanese table etiquette, teach you the main differences between Japanese and Western cuisine, explain the foods that most Westerners have trouble appreciating, the relationship between Zen philosophy and shojin-ryori, and more.
For this event we have reserved a private room to ensure that all participants have a chance to learn the basics of Japanese food and table manners in a relaxed atmosphere.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have on Japanese food and give you detailed instructions on how to properly hold chopsticks. While dining, Mr. Fujikawa will explain the different types of dishes and how they are prepared.
DATE
2019.8.24 Sat
1:00pm - 2:30pm
VENUE
Hachinoki Kita-Kamakura Branch
(Western-style table seating in a private room)
FEE
¥7,300
Includes Authentic shojin-ryori lunch, Lecture, Tax, Private room fee, Service fee, English translation, Resume)
Shojin-ryori was introduced by China to Japan along with Zen ideas in the Kamakura Period (1185–1333), and together with other arts that developed around Zen principles, such as the tea ceremony, it has been refined into an original style that continues to be appreciated today.
Hachinoki Kita-Kamakura Branch is a shojin-ryori restaurant located amidst the deep greenery of Kita-Kamakura, and is surrounded by the temples in Japan belonging to the Zen sect of Buddhism, among them the first training monastery of Kencho-ji Temple.
Although authentic Japanese food has become available abroad, authentic shojin-ryori is hard to come across even in Japan.
Even for those who aren’t vegetarian or vegan, it is a dining experience you shouldn’t miss while you are in Japan.
Photos (left & above): Provided by Hachinoki
In particular, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn about Japanese cuisine and shojin-ryori from Mr. Fujikawa, who was born and raised right outside the gates of Kencho-ji Temple, and who has prepared hundreds of meals for Zen temples and tea ceremonies in Kamakura, and has been passing on the culture and spirit of Japan to future generations.
Mr. Joji Fujikawa
President of Hachinoki Limited Private Company
(Featured on P. 027 in "PEOPLE" section on LOCAL FOCUS
Photo: Taisuke Yokoyama
Hachinoki
Kita-Kamakura
Branch
Address: 350 Yamanouchi,
Kamakura- City
Kanagawa Pref. Japan
For those new to Japanese cuisine those who feel some apprehension about entering a formal Japanese restaurant, those who already know a lot about Japanese food, or those who simply would like to take a break from their busy lives to enjoy some time amidst the quiet greenery of Kita-Kamakura, please join us!
Event organized by The Blue Inc.
Report
We learned a lot more than just Japanese table manners at our "Lunch & Lecture" event held at the "shojin-ryori" (Buddhist vegan) restaurant "Hachinoki" in Kita-Kamakura.
How the religion, especially Zen, influenced food and culture in Japan, the difference between Western and Japanese table etiquette, practical tips such as "what should we do with the lid ?" "how to pick up and hold chopsticks elegantly", and even the special way of using chopsticks that some Buddhist monks do, and much more were shared by the owner of the restaurant.
Not only it was a fruitful time, "shojin-ryori" lunch was truly beautiful, delectable, and satisfying,
"Gochisou-sama-deshita!"
Photo: all ©︎ LOCAL FOCUS
*Crew from the local cable TV "J:COM" filmed this event and will be broadcasted in "Daily News" on their cable TV (channel 11) at 5pm on Aug. 27 in Miura Peninsula area (Kamakura, Zushi, Hayama, Yokosuka, and Miura).
