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 Culture Exchange Program Planning & Management Designing and managing cultural exchange programs tailored to specific objectives and audiences. ２．Soba Culture Lecture Lectures that deepen understanding of Japanese food culture and culinary traditions through soba. ３．Edo Soba Culture Experience A program that introduces soba culture inherited from the Edo period. Participants learn not only how to make soba, but also why soba tastes so good. ４．Soba-Making Experience Hands-on soba-making programs suitable for beginners. －Traditional Soba-Making Experience －Matcha Soba-Making Experience －Juwari (100% Buckwheat) Soba-Making Experience ５．Soba-Making Demonstration Professional soba-making demonstrations by an experienced soba craftsman. ６．Soba Culture Exchange Workshop Interactive programs that emphasize communication among participants. By making and enjoying soba together, participants engage in cultural exchange beyond countries and languages. ７．Collaborative Handmade Noodle Development Using Local Ingredients Programs that explore new possibilities for handmade noodles by utilizing local and regional ingredients. |
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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)
