Create a Unique Piadina: A Family Cooking Class for All

In celebration of International Day of Families on May 15, ASURX Co., Ltd., based in Bunkyo City, Tokyo, is excited to announce its third annual event, "Create a Unique Piadina," scheduled for May 17, 2026, at Academy Mukogaoka, also in Bunkyo. This cooking class is designed for families, regardless of whether they have wheat allergies, to experience cooking together and enjoy a meal in harmony. Supported by the Bunkyo City government, this event focuses on raising awareness about food allergies and promoting food education.

Purpose of the Event

The main goal of this event is to enhance societal understanding of the growing issue of food allergies, which affects not only those with allergies but also the general public. Allergies are a common societal challenge; they are not merely an individual's issue. Knowledge and consideration from those around us can significantly impact the risk of life-threatening situations, such as anaphylaxis.

During this cooking experience, participants will use rice flour, allowing everyone to enjoy the joy of eating the same dish together, regardless of whether they have allergies or not. This activity cultivates appreciation for nature's bounty while discovering the new charm of rice. It also empowers children to understand their unique characteristics and fosters self-management skills that help them protect their lives. Additionally, this event provides an opportunity for children to acknowledge each other's differences and nurture a sense of coexistence that encourages mutual support.

Background of the Event

A 2022 survey by the Japan School Health Association reported that approximately 527,000 children and students have food allergies, with a prevalence rate of about 6.3%, and 6.2% facing anaphylaxis. This marks a significant increase over the past 20 years, emphasizing the importance of awareness and safety in handling food allergies. Anaphylaxis can occur suddenly and poses a severe risk if not addressed promptly.

Despite these alarming statistics, awareness and preparation among the general public remain inadequate. The psychological burden on affected families can be overwhelming, as they not only manage daily meal planning but also face potential risks during outings, travel, and their children's school lives. Understanding the need for vigilance and consideration from society as a whole has become increasingly urgent.

Event Details

- Event Name: Create a Unique Piadina: A Family Cooking Class for All
- Date: May 17, 2026

- Session 1: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Session 2: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
- Session 3: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

- Location: Academy Mukogaoka Practice Room, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
- Participation Cost:

- Residents of Bunkyo: 2,500 yen
- Non-resident attendees: 3,000 yen
- Online participants: 500 yen

- Access: 1-minute walk from Tokyo University’s Higashi-Oyama Station (Exit 2) or a short bus ride from several nearby bus stops.

How to Participate

Applications will be accepted via the ASURX official website, with links to the application site to be announced around April 6th.

Event Program

Schedule

- Greetings
- Lecture: “Understanding Food Allergies Together”
- Piadina Cooking Class
- Enjoyment Time
- Tasting

Featured Speakers

Naoko Uehara, Pediatric Allergy Educator, will present on understanding food allergies. With a background in nursing from the Japanese Red Cross, Ms. Uehara has focused her career on allergy education since joining the Allergy Center at Yokohama Minato Red Cross Hospital.

Chef Araki Yamana, Executive Chef at 'suscrea' and 'KOKKO KURKKU', will lead the piadina cooking session. Born in Tottori in 1995, Chef Yamana has trained at Michelin-starred restaurants and aims to introduce participants to the delicious world of piadina using safe ingredients.

Understanding Piadina

Piadina is a traditional flatbread from the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy. It's often enjoyed with a variety of fillings, making it a versatile dish that’s akin to Italian-style tacos. On this occasion, participants will use rice flour as a substitute to cater to wheat allergies, infusing Japanese ingredients into this beloved Italian dish.

Conclusion

This event highlights the importance of understanding food allergies, especially in the context of families learning to enjoy meals together safely. As we celebrate the International Day of Families, we hope that participants take home not just delicious recipes, but also a deeper understanding of diversity and the importance of inclusion in our communities.

Looking forward to seeing you there and sharing this unique culinary experience!