Discovering the Essence of Eating: A Unique Seminar in Tokyo
In the bustling environment of Tokyo’s Kiyosumi Shirakawa, a groundbreaking seminar titled “Eating Seminar” will take place starting May 19, 2026. Organised by Shigoto Hito Co., Ltd., managed by CEO Kenta Nakamura, this immersive eight-session series invites participants to contemplate the intricate relationship between food and our daily lives. The application deadline is April 9, 2026.
Introduction to Shigoto Hito and the Seminar
Shigoto Hito operates as an employment platform that embodies the philosophy of living through work. Previous seminars, such as the “Writing to Live Seminar” and “Creating Gathering Places,” saw experts from diverse fields share their knowledge and experiences. The “Eating Seminar” aims to encourage attendees to rethink their relationship with food, going beyond mere nutrition.
The Theme of Eating
With the rapid pace of modern life, the act of eating is often relegated to the background. Convenience measures have overshadowed the joys and connections that come with food. This seminar seeks to reinstate thoughtful engagement with food, highlighting that eating ties deeply into bodily sensations, memories, cultural experiences, and environmental interactions.
The program’s intention is to explore concepts like “deliciousness” and “comfort” as they relate to different perspectives on cooking, tools, distribution, and nature. By dedicating attention to often overlooked elements of eating, participants can begin to reflect on their own experiences and senses.
A Diverse Panel of Instructors
The instructors come from various realms associated with food, each providing unique insights:
- - Yosuke Aono: A designer from Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, Aono focuses on traditional crafts and also develops kitchen tools. His experience connects the art of making to the act of consumption.
- - Goki Inoue: As the creative director at TETOTETO Inc., Inoue merges culinary skills with branding and product development, promoting new forms of food entrepreneurship. His initiatives aim to bring enjoyment to all, including those who cannot drink alcohol.
- - Yuka Yamaguchi: This self-taught culinary expert runs cooking lessons for beginners. Yamaguchi promotes the joy of cooking through various media, including books and podcasts, aiming to inspire others to care for themselves through food creation.
- - Atsushi Nakajima: A Level 1 search technology engineer, Nakajima also leads mushroom observation events, helping to promote biodiversity while sharing his extensive knowledge.
- - KINOKO SOCIAL CLUB: This community initiative cultivates mushrooms from coffee grounds, striving to create a local, circular food supply chain in the heart of Tokyo.
Seminar Structure
Spanning eight sessions, the program will blend lectures with hands-on activities to provide a well-rounded understanding of eating. Participants will learn from chefs, designers, and researchers while engaging physically with food through taste and observation.
Fieldwork will include guided nature walks, where participants will reflect on the relationships between food, nature, and sustainability through the lens of mushrooms. Additionally, a lunchtime experience at the Blind Donkey restaurant will offer the opportunity to taste seasonal ingredients while watching chefs at work, further enhancing the understanding of what makes food “delicious.”
Event Logistics
- - Dates: May 19, 2026 – July 12, 2026 (8 sessions total)
- - Venue: In-person at Little Tokyo, Tokyo, or online via Google Meet.
- - Capacity: 20 in-person, 15 online participants.
- - Costs: In-person participation is priced at ¥44,000 (early bird ¥38,500 until April 2); online participation costs ¥22,000 (all prices include tax).
For more information about the seminar or to register, please visit
Shigoto Hito’s webpage.
Conclusion
This seminar offers an incredible opportunity for those looking to explore the profound connections between food and our everyday lives. As the landscape of eating continues to evolve, so too does our understanding of its place in our world. Don’t miss the chance to rediscover the joys of eating in a community setting.
For inquiries, contact:
Shigoto Hito Co., Ltd.
Attn: Satoshi Nakano, Hatsuka Takahashi
Email:
[email protected]