Rice University lecturer in Japanese Naoko Ozaki set up a rare opportunity for Lovett College students to learn the Japanese culture by inviting two distinguished guests: Consul General Zentaro Naganuma of Japan and chef Shinji Takahashi. The event was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Lovett College, which played a central role in bringing together the chef, consul general, residents of the college and Ozaki’s fourth-year Japanese language class for a day filled with the rich food and culture.
“Lovett College students and students from my classes bring me a lot of joy every day, and I wanted to do something for them in return,” Ozaki said. “I hope they fondly remember this event. Making and sharing food together with friends and remembering to thank everyone who made it possible are two important aspects I was hoping to bring to them in addition to sharing the culture of my native country.”
Dozens of students had the chance to learn how to make five kinds of temari sushi (ball-shaped sushi topped with ingredients). Attendees also prepared omurice (an omelet served over rice), kinpira gobo (burdock and lotus roots cooked in sugar and soy sauce), fried and tempura-style okra, coffee jelly and no-bake cheesecake — all under the guidance of Takahashi.
Afterward, more than 100 students and servery staff members gathered to enjoy the dishes, all made from ingredients available in the Houston area.
