On September 19, volunteers, participants, and guests gathered at the Nanbu Lifelong Learning Civic Center in Hirakata, Osaka, Japan, to celebrate the third anniversary of a local plant-based cooking class. The event featured a buffet of twelve plant-based dishes, a small charity bazaar, and cultural displays designed to bring neighbors and visitors together over healthy, compassionate living.
Fostering connection through plant-based culinary arts
The cooking class was founded three years ago by volunteer Emi Fukashi (深小青) to serve local seniors and encourage healthy, sustainable eating habits. Held monthly, the sessions have grown into a regular gathering place where elderly residents learn new recipes and connect with neighbors.
LEFT: Emi Fukashi (深小青, right) specially made aprons embroidered with each student’s name, along with the inscription “Speak kind words, think kind thoughts, do good deeds.” RIGHT: One vegetarian dish after another was served by the students, creating a “ food serving show” | Photos: Ching-Hui Chen
To prepare for the anniversary event, chef Chin-Tan Lu (呂清潭) and a culinary volunteer team from Taiwan brought ingredients to prepare a twelve-course meal. Operating without commercial stoves, the team adapted their cooking methods to serve over one hundred guests. The menu featured vegetarian skewers, 5-spice konjac, 3-cup king oyster mushrooms, stir-fried bell peppers, sweet and sour tofu, assorted stir fried rice noodles, sesame oil fried rice, braised soup, golden 8-treasure meatballs, peanut tofu burger, cabbage rolls, plus a bowl of sweet boba milk tea.
Cooking for one hundred people using limited kitchen facilities was a unique challenge, but seeing everyone enjoy the food brought tears of joy. — Ching-Tan Lu, Culinary Volunteer
LEFT: Twelve-course meal were presented on the dining table by volunteers and trainees. | Photo: Wen-Ying Chung (鍾文英) RIGHT: Seeing everyone eating with beaming smiles, chef Chin-Tan Lu’s (呂清潭) eyes quietly welled up with tears of joy. | Photo: Ching-Hui Chen
Creating opportunities for senior engagement
Local senior participants took an active role in the celebration. Wearing customized aprons, elderly students assisted in kitchen preparation and presented the finished dishes to guests during the meal.
For many attendees, the event offered a chance to experience new activities and build friendships. Akiko Tokunaga (德永章子), a local resident who relies on a mobility walker, attended after receiving a casual invitation from a volunteer.
I never thought I would be able to participate in an event like this due to my mobility. Seeing so many people working quietly to help others made me feel welcomed, like part of a family. — Akiko Tokunaga, Local Resident
Supporting disaster recovery efforts
Along the corridor leading to the main hall, volunteers set up displays highlighting ongoing community initiatives and relief work. A small bazaar was organized to raise funds for disaster recovery efforts following recent earthquakes in Kumamoto, Japan, and Nepal. Attendees browsed posters detailing local outreach activities and donated items to support those affected by natural disasters.
Organizers expressed gratitude to local community members and partners for supporting the program over the past three years. The monthly gathering continues to provide a welcoming space for neighborhood seniors to stay active, share skills, and build meaningful relationships.
Written by Ying-Hsiu Wang (王瀅琇)
