Connecting Seniors Through Japanese Food Culture – Japanese Cooking Demonstration by Chef Kitazono (22 October 2026)
2026/11/10
On 22 October, Age Concern Auckland hosted an event titled "Connecting Seniors Through Japanese Food Culture" at the Freemans Bay Community Centre in Auckland. Chef Riku Kitazono of the Consulate General of Japan in Auckland, who also serves as a culinary diplomat promoting Japanese food culture, gave a presentation and cooking demonstration on Japanese cuisine.
Chef Kitazono introduced Japanese food culture and culinary traditions, demonstrating how to prepare dashi (Japanese soup stock), make temari sushi (bite-sized sushi balls), and arrange a traditional ohanami bento (cherry blossom viewing lunchbox). Participants also enjoyed making their own temari sushi and arranging their bento boxes, sharing food and conversation. Age Concern Auckland also introduced Japanese mealtime expressions such as "Itadakimasu" (said before eating) and "Gochisousama deshita" (said after a meal).
The event brought together members of various cultural communities, including those from Japan, Korea, China and India, providing a valuable opportunity to foster multicultural exchange through Japanese cuisine. Consul General MINOYA and his wife also attended and enjoyed interacting with participants from different communities.
Chef Kitazono introduced Japanese food culture and culinary traditions, demonstrating how to prepare dashi (Japanese soup stock), make temari sushi (bite-sized sushi balls), and arrange a traditional ohanami bento (cherry blossom viewing lunchbox). Participants also enjoyed making their own temari sushi and arranging their bento boxes, sharing food and conversation. Age Concern Auckland also introduced Japanese mealtime expressions such as "Itadakimasu" (said before eating) and "Gochisousama deshita" (said after a meal).
The event brought together members of various cultural communities, including those from Japan, Korea, China and India, providing a valuable opportunity to foster multicultural exchange through Japanese cuisine. Consul General MINOYA and his wife also attended and enjoyed interacting with participants from different communities.
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| Chef Kitazono's live cooking demonstration | |
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| Ohanami bento presented by Chef Kitazono | Interacting with participants |
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| Group photo with participants | Organizer Age Concern Auckland |
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| Dr Bonham Chair of the Waitematā Local Board |
The venue and participants making their own bento and temari sushi |
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| The venue and participants making their own bento and temari sushi | Consul General MINOYA and Mrs MINOYA |