Earlier this year I joined the Japanese American Society (JAS) whose purpose is to “strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding between the citizens of the United States located at MCAS Iwakuni and the Japanese citizens of the local community … through education, social and cultural opportunities.  Through JAS I’ve taken Ikebana classes and a few language classes.

Last night Chris and I went to their monthly cooking class for the first time.  We arrived at the community center at 1800 and of course had to don slippers upon entering.

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Once inside, the kitchen was abuzz with happy Japanese folks getting ready for class.  Tonight we were to learn all about sashimi!  Sashimi is raw fish and the word sashi mi means “pierced flesh.”  Mmm-mmm

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This Japanese man spoke no English and took charge of teaching the technique of going from fish to sashimi.  Chris pays close attention

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and dives right in.

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Then there’s the peeling of the skin.

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Meanwhile on the other side of the kitchen there’s all kinds of chopping and frying going on.

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Then comes the big one.  Off with his head.

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And remember those little fish?  Guess what you do with the skeletons?  You fry them up, add a lot of salt and turn them into chips.

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Back on the other side – giant rice balls, slicing egg for the soup, raw fish salad.

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And at long last – voila – dinner is served

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and of course our buddy gets to watch us eat.

 

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Really great people and a fun evening but you’ll have to ask Chris about the food. . .