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Join Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) for the March edition of our family-friendly online Japanese home cooking series おうちごはん! OUCHIGOHAN—and cook along from your own kitchen!
As March brings its signature excitement, we’re channeling that energy into the kitchen with a little culinary “madness” of our own—spotlighting miso as the bold, umami-rich MVP of the Japanese pantry.
In proud partnership with Table for Two’s #EdamameChamp Campaign, we are celebrating soybeans—the plant-based powerhouse at the heart of miso. For centuries, miso has been a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, prized for its depth, versatility, and nourishing qualities.
During this interactive cookalong, participants will explore creative and delicious ways to cook with miso—highlighting its rich flavor and cultural significance while inspiring new everyday favorites.
For this session, we are especially honored to welcome Chef Shinji Takahashi, Resident Chef of the Official Residence of the Consul General of Japan in Houston, who will guide us step-by-step through this flavorful culinary experience.
Chef Takahashi has curated a menu that showcases miso across both traditional and creative dishes—each inspired by those he has served to guests at the Official Residence:
Simmered Daikon with Miso Sauce
Creamy Miso Pasta with Shimeji and Spinach
Sweet Miso Pudding
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or brand new to Japanese cuisine, this family-friendly program is designed for all ages and skill levels.
Advance ticket purchase required. One registration per family. Members of other Japan/Japan America Societies—please enter your society’s discount code at checkout for member pricing.
The recipe cards, ingredient list, and Zoom link will be sent a few days prior to the event.
Get ready to stir, whisk, and taste your way through MISO MADNESS!
If you want, I can also make a slightly shorter version for social media or a more promotional version with stronger calls-to-action.
For NAJAS & JETAA members, select “NAJAS MEMBER” and be sure to enter your organization’s code in the Discount Code box at Checkout.
NAJAS/JETAA friends select “NAJAS MEMBER” and enter your Society-provided code at checkout for a discounted rate.
**Program begins at 4:30 PM CT / 5:30 PM ET.
MISO MADNESS BRACKET
Cast Your Vote. Crown the Champion. Celebrate Miso.
The Miso Madness doesn’t stop in the kitchen!
Throughout March, iconic miso dishes will go head-to-head in a tasty showdown to determine the #MisoMadness version of #EdamameChamp.
From comforting classics to regional specialties, each matchup highlights the incredible versatility and depth of Japan’s beloved fermented soybean paste.
How It Works
Matchups are released periodically throughout March
Voting will remain open for 24 hours per round
Winners advance through the bracket
The final champion will be revealed LIVE during our March 21 Ouchigohanprogram!
Vote based on flavor, nostalgia, regional pride—or simply which dish makes you hungriest.
Follow along, rally your favorites, and help us narrow down the field to one ultlimate Miso Champion!
Now it’s your turn to decide which dish reigns supreme! Let the Miso Madness begin!
About the Guest Chef:
Chef Shinji Takahashi began his culinary career in 1997 when he joined Royal Holdings. During his first two years with the company, he trained at the Royal Academy, where he studied the fundamentals of cooking.
In 2003, he began working at a hotel in Obihiro. At the time, the executive chef specialized in Japanese cuisine and was particularly known for his skill in kazari-giri (decorative knife techniques). Chef Takahashi was deeply influenced by this mentor and developed an appreciation for the artistry of Japanese culinary presentation.
In 2005, he returned to his hometown region of Hamadori in Fukushima Prefecture, where he began pursuing Japanese cuisine in earnest while working at a traditional ryokan.
On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake dramatically altered his life. As a victim of the disaster, he and his family were forced to evacuate repeatedly for a year. Because radiation levels around his family home eventually reached what was considered an annual lethal dose, they had no choice but to give up the property.
In 2012, after relocating to Yachiyo City in Chiba Prefecture, he became the head chef of the kaiseki restaurant Nanohanatei. During this time, he also developed a passion for squash—playing daily after returning from the market, and quickly improving beyond his peers.
In 2017, Chef Takahashi began serving as the official residence chef for the Consul-General of Japan in Curitiba, Brazil.
Since January 2022, he has been serving as the residence chef at the official residence of the Consul-General of Japan in Houston.
About the Instructor:
Debra Samuels leads the program content and curriculum development of TABLE FOR TWO USA’s Japanese inspired food education program, “Wa- Shokuiku -Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!”.
She was a food writer and contributor to the Food Section of The Boston Globe and has authored two cookbooks: “My Japanese Table,” and “The Korean Table.” She curated the exhibit, “Obento and Built Space: Japanese Boxed Lunch and Architecture,” at the Boston Architectural College (2015) and co-curated “Objects of Use and Beauty: Design and Craft in Japanese Culinary Tools,” at the Fuller Craft Museum (2018). Debra also worked as a program coordinator and an exhibition developer at the Japanese department of the Boston Children's Museum (1992-2000).
Debra has lived in Japan, all together, for 12 years and specializes in Japanese cuisine. She travels around the country and abroad teaching hands on workshops on obento, the Japanese lunchbox. During Covid 19 she is teaching live online cooking programs to youth and adults.
About #EdamameChamp:
#EdamameChamp is Table For Two’s annual spring campaign to promote healthy eating through Japanese cuisine with a focus on soy. Join the chopstick skill competition and see how many edamame you can pick up in 1 minute!
This program is made possible by:
Program Note: Photographs may be taken during the event for the records of the program host and for use in public media outlets. Registering for the event generally signifies acknowledgment that your likeness may be used in these ways.