Discover the Journey of Bread from Wheat Harvest to Your Plate

On March 20, 2023, Seika Bunka Sha will release the picture book titled Oshiete, Panya-san! (Teach Me, Baker!) authored by Masuya Pan Mukine. This engaging book aims to educate children on food literacy, focusing on the path from wheat harvesting to bread baking in Hokkaido's popular bakery.

Promoting Local Consumption and Food Literacy

This unique picture book is a collaboration with a renowned bakery in Obihiro City, Hokkaido, known for its commitment to local produce and community engagement. The book chronicles a year in the Tokachi region—Japan's leading wheat-producing area—where children can learn about the entire wheat cultivation process, from planting to harvest. Moreover, readers will discover how harvested wheat is processed into flour and ultimately transformed into delicious bread at the bakery.

The inspirational Chef Amagata from Masuya Pan Mukine shares insights about the unique science behind wheat and offers home-baking recipes that children and parents can try together. The inclusion of local children on the pages reinforces the message of appreciating food and the importance of minimizing waste.

Hands-On Learning Experience

Many children might be familiar with flour but may not know how wheat grows, matures, or is harvested. The book encourages kids to engage with their environment by visiting actual wheat fields to experience the harvesting process firsthand. They'll enjoy activities such as lying on straw while learning about the raw materials that create their beloved bread.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Bread

The book addresses intriguing questions that children often have about bread, such as why it rises or why various textures and shapes exist. Chef Amagata effectively engages these curious young minds by demonstrating bread-making techniques. Recipes included in the book allow families to join in on the fun, and after learning about the bread-making process, they can enjoy the fruits of their labor together.

About the Author

Masuya Pan Mukine opened its flagship store in 2009 in Obihiro, Hokkaido, as part of the historic Manjuya Shoten bakery. The bakery uses 100% locally sourced Tokachi wheat, earning the title of Japan's Largest Bakery. With its sprawling grounds that include wheat fields and horse stables, this popular destination attracts over 350,000 visitors annually from both domestic and international locales.

For more information on Masuya Pan Mukine, check their official website: Masuya Pan.

Publishing Details

Oshiete, Panya-san! is set to be released on March 20, 2023. Here are the details:

- Release Date: March 20, 2023 (Friday, Public Holiday)
- Author: Masuya Pan Mukine
- Price: 1,760 yen (including tax)
- Format: A4 Variant, 32 pages
- Publisher: Seika Bunka Sha
- Book Link: Seika Bunka Book

This educational picture book promises to be a delightful journey into the world of bread-making, enriching children's understanding of food and its origins while cultivating a sense of gratitude towards producers and ingredients.