#Japan #Shinjuku #Tokyo Event #Cooking Class #Zengyoren

Zengyoren's Cooking Class for Kids in Shinjuku

On November 15, 2025, Zengyoren (the national federation of agricultural cooperative associations) organized a special cooking class designed for children at the Shinjuku ward, Tokyo. This event is part of an effort to educate children about the joys of cooking and the significance of healthy eating using locally sourced agricultural products. A total of 13 participants, including eight children from the 'Shinjuku Ashitakai Social Welfare Corporation' and five alumni, took part in this enriching experience.

The aim of the cooking class is to instill a sense of independence among children with disabilities, while deepening their appreciation for domestic agricultural products since its inception in 2016. This was the 19th session, having welcomed a total of 303 children over the years. The cooking activities included making pancakes using eggs, milk, and rice flour, as well as preparing various seasonal vegetables and meats, all under the careful guidance of cooking instructors and facility staff.

Participants were enthusiastic as they worked together, assisting one another in the preparation of dishes. The completed meals included:

• - Lotus Root and Bacon Mixed Rice
• - White Stew with Rice Flour
• - Komatsuna and Fluffy Cheese Eggs
• - Pancakes resembling American Dogs made with Rice Flour

Children expressed their excitement, saying, "We worked hard on making pancakes! They're delicious! I want seconds!" Meanwhile, a staff member from the facility remarked, "It was impressive to see the children having so much fun. It was a refreshing change to witness sides of them we don’t normally see."

In an effort to further promote the importance of food and agriculture education, Zengyoren continues to host this cooking class, ensuring children not only learn how to cook but also develop a love for food and an understanding of where it comes from.

Highlights of the Event

• - Making Pancakes: Children eagerly cracked eggs and mixed ingredients while laughing and chatting.
• - Tasting Their Creations: After a cooking session filled with teamwork, the moment arrived when they could enjoy the fruits of their labor.
• - Goodie Bags for Participants: Each child received a special gift filled with cooking-related items and local products, contributing to their culinary journey.

Contribution from Local Suppliers

The ingredients used in the cooking class were generously supplied by various companies within the Zengyoren group:

• - Zengyoren Pearl Rice Co., Ltd.: Provided Akita Komachi rice, rice oil, rice flour, and recipe pamphlets.
• - JA Zengyoren Fruit and Vegetable Center: Supplied onions, sweet potatoes, broccoli, shiitake mushrooms, lotus roots, and komatsuna.
• - JA Zengyoren Egg Co., Ltd.: Contributed farm fresh eggs and promotional items.
• - JA Zengyoren Meat Foods Co., Ltd.: Offered sliced bacon and sausages.
• - Zengyoren Chicken Foods Co., Ltd.: Provided chicken thighs and fun stationery items.
• - Snow Brand Milk Products Co., Ltd.: Supplied milk and various dairy products including butter and mozzarella cheese sauce.

Connect with Zengyoren

For more updates on cooking classes, as well as various events related to food and agriculture, follow the Zengyoren's official social media account @shokuikuzennoh.

Event Summary

• - Class Name: Zengyoren Cooking Class for Kids
• - Date: November 15, 2025
• - Location: Shinjuku Ashitakai Social Welfare Corporation, Time Care Service Maipace
• - Organizer: National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations (Zengyoren)
• - Supported By: Zengyoren Pearl Rice Co., JA Zengyoren Fruit and Vegetable Center, JA Zengyoren Egg Co., JA Zengyoren Meat Foods, Zengyoren Chicken Foods, Snow Brand Milk Products
• - Collaborating Partner: CPM Lifestyle Marketing Co., Ltd.