Japan is often revered for its rich culture and longstanding traditions, many of which are still in practice today. Join us for a special virtual tour where we will take part in two hands-on cultural activities – udon making and traditional Japanese calligraphy – thanks to Wakalture and Eat! Meet! Japan.
Wakalture is a portmanteau of Wakana (the instructor’s first name) and the word culture, and Wakana-san prides herself on sharing Japanese culture in fun ways with visitors from all around the world. She puts a strong emphasis on the authenticity of what she teaches, and holds a degree in Nutrition from Kagawa Nutrition University and a professional license in calligraphy, with over 26 years of experience.
Wakana-san communicates in English throughout her lessons to make sure nothing is lost in translation during the process, and she is happy to provide tips and information about things to see and do in the local area to participants. Her in-person classes are held in close proximity to Ueno and Akihabara, two popular Tokyo tourist destinations which are packed with attractions.
During this virtual tour, Wakana-san will demonstrate how to make traditional udon noodles from scratch, guiding viewers through the process of mixing and kneading the dough. As the dough rests the calligraphy lesson will take place, and afterwards the noodles will be cut, boiled, and tasted. Add a new recipe to your cooking repertoire and learn an impressive skill at the same time!
Link: https://youtu.be/aOWGpJ3bj8M
What is Eat! Meet! Japan?
Eat! Meet! Japan is a project that recognizes and promotes the best Japanese food experiences nationwide. Commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), the project provides an environment where tourists can enjoy unique Japanese food experiences even after multiple visits to Japan.
Eat! Meet! Japan brings people together through food and provides a window into the culture of the areas represented. These award-winning experiences demonstrate Japanese food as a gateway into topics like history, spirituality, sustainability, local agriculture, and craftsmanship.
When I was a kid, my mother got hooked on making soba noodles from scratch and I helped her out. It takes effort, but the results are amazing, chewy, flavorful noodles.
I'm curious about making udon from scratch. I'm sure anywhere in the world you can get the ingredients. The knack of how to make them, that's a thing I want to learn.