Connecting People and Culture Through Soba
「Why I Continue My Activities」
I am engaged in activities to promote soba culture and have introduced Japanese handmade soba culture not only within Japan but also overseas.
A soba-making experience is not simply a cooking class.
By experiencing soba, making noodles with their own hands, and enjoying them together, participants create exchanges that go beyond countries and languages.
I use soba as a bridge for cultural exchange and continue activities that connect Japanese food culture with people.
Basic Information
| Name | Yasuo Maeda |
| Title | Soba Craftsman / Soba Culture Exchange Producer |
| Activity Area | Based in Tokyo, Japan, with activities in Japan and overseas |
| Soba Experience | Over 15 years |
| Teaching Experience | More than 1,000 participants |
| Countries & Regions | Provided instruction to participants visiting from more than 30 countries |
| Teaching Activities | Instructor, Edo Tokyo Soba Association Instructor, Yomiuri Culture Center Milling Instructor, Professional Training Course |
| Activity Philosophy | Using soba as a bridge for cultural exchange and conducting activities that connect Japanese food culture with people. |
International Cultural Exchange Achievements
| Major Achievements | 【Public Institution / Government-Related Achievement】 JICA Nikkei Training Program (Commissioned by The Association of Nikkei & Japanese Abroad) Served as a technical instructor for programs aimed at preserving Japanese culture and revitalizing local communities for Nikkei community leaders from Central and South America. 【Government / Diplomatic Achievement】 ”Japan Day” Hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Slovenia Conducted a soba-making demonstration at a Japanese cultural introduction event. Introduced soba, one of Japan’s traditional food cultures, to overseas audiences and shared the appeal of Japanese culture with many visitors. 【Collaboration with Universities and Educational Institutions】 Nguyen Tat Thanh University (Vietnam) Conducted Japanese cultural exchange programs for students studying Japanese. Through soba-making experiences and introductions to Japanese food culture, helped deepen understanding of Japanese culture while promoting international exchange activities among students. |
Available Programs
| Program Contents | 【Cultural Exchange Programs】 ・Educational Institution Soba Culture Exchange Program Promoting understanding of Japanese culture and international exchange through soba culture experiences for universities, high schools, vocational schools, and Japanese language schools. ・Nikkei Community Soba Culture Exchange & Heritage Program Supporting intergenerational exchange and the inheritance of Japanese culture through soba culture for Nikkei associations and Japanese community organizations. ・Participatory Soba Culture Content for Japanese Festivals Providing soba culture content that visitors can experience and participate in at Japanese festivals, cherry blossom festivals, and Japan festivals. 【Program Contents】 １．Soba Making Workshop A participatory program where guests make soba by hand and enjoy freshly made soba. ２．Japanese Soba Culture Lecture A lecture to learn about Japanese food culture, history, health, and wellness through soba. ３．Soba Making Demonstration A demonstration program showcasing professional handcrafted soba-making techniques. ４．Edo Soba Culture Experience An immersive program to explore Edo-period soba culture through lectures, soba making, tastings, and more. ５．Collaborative Noodle Development Using Local Ingredients Develop unique noodle recipes together using locally available ingredients through research, testing, and development. 【Customization Available】 Soba Cultural Exchange Program Programs can be customized to suit your objectives and needs. We will propose original soba cultural exchange programs by freely combining program elements. |
Program Menu
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Soba Wellness
3F Kaizuka Bldg., 3-24-8 Higashi-Tateishi, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 124-0013
(Approx. 8-minute walk from Keisei-Tateishi Station)
