Sure you can make your way through a handful of respectable Japanese cookbooks or watch YouTube instructional videos, as I have, but this approach also has its limitations.
Instead, you’re more likely to find occasional short-term workshops, specializing in highly specific Japanese food items (e.g., Ramen, etc.) offered online through platforms like Udemy, or in person, made available by cooking schools, such as Sur la Table, or Japanese cultural organizations (e.g., The Japan-America Society of Washington, DC), typically located in big cities.
So, what options are available for enthusiasts like me, living in the United States who want to improve their ability to cook Japanese food?
Fortunately, I located an educational program that opened the doors to authentic Japanese culinary expertise.
The Bronze Certification Journey
It turns out that in 2016, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), in collaboration with The Association for the Advancement of the Japanese Culinary Art (AAJ), (the oldest Japanese culinary research organization in the country, with a membership of 10,000 Japanese chefs), developed a set of guidelines for recognizing individuals’ expertise in preparing Japanese Food.
This system classifies the expertise of Japanese chefs into three categories: Bronze, Silver and Gold. In order to achieve each level, candidates must successfully pass both written and practical tests.
The good news is that the Bronze certification can be earned entirely online through an accredited asynchronous course supervised by AAJ and sponsored by MAFF.
The classes are offered in English and only available for foreigners, with deadlines for the three stages (i.e., beginner, intermediate and advanced). A handful of designated Japanese cooking schools administer the certification process.
Over the past year, I enrolled in the courses, diligently watched instructional videos, and completed tests for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced stages. To deepen my connection with the subject matter and those managing the course, between earning my intermediate and completing the advanced Bronze certification, I completed a basic Japanese language class, and visited Tokyo where I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, course manager, and principle chef of Tsjuki Cooking School.
Pros and Cons of the Certification Process
On the Down Side
If you thrive best with face-to-face instruction and struggle with independent learning via distance modalities (esp. receiving instruction via videos and taking tests on-line, and submitting videos of yourself mastering cooking particular dishes) this course may not be suitable for you.
Although the videos are well produced, some content may seem repetitive. For example, it’s not really necessary to see one video on how to scale, clean, and fillet a horse mackerel and another one repeating this process with sea bream. In other words, once you have seen one video on this topic then any subsequent lessons are probably going to seem redundant. Then again, this is not necessarily a bad thing, because it reinforces the same basic skills.
Additionally, the continuous low-volume elevator music playing in the background of the videos can be a little annoying. Also watching online videos can become monotonous and lead to fatigue, although taking notes, as I did, can alleviate this issue. It remains unclear whether the course designers intend for participants to cook along with the videos or merely take notes, potentially extending the course duration if the former is preferred.
On the positive side
Despite these challenges, the course presents a well-structured series of instructional videos. The slow pacing allows for pausing and note-taking at your own pace. Additionally, the inclusion of different narrators and occasional slow-motion sequences enhances the understanding of various cooking processes.
One major advantage of this course is the satisfaction of completing an accredited program, ensuring accountability in your culinary education.
Although some casual observers may question the effectiveness of learning through videos, written texts, online tests, and self-taped video submissions, it proves to be a practical approach, especially when compared to limited alternatives.
My own journey had its share of hurdles; I even had to retake half of the final practical test on fish filleting. However, the chef’s detailed feedback on my strengths and areas for improvement proved invaluable.
In today’s educational landscape, online instruction is becoming increasingly prevalent, even among traditional instructors and professors. Moreover, my experience with this course has provided valuable insights that I can use to enhance my own teaching methods.
A Taste of Mastery
Completing the Bronze Certification has been a rewarding journey, one that has opened more doors for me towards a deeper understanding of Washoku. Even though it may not be the ideal choice for everyone wanting to improve their ability to cook Japanese food, for those willing to embrace distance learning and a bit of repetition, it offers an accredited path to mastering the art of Japanese cuisine.
As culinary education continues to evolve, embracing online modalities can be a valuable step toward acquiring new skills and knowledge.
(Those interested in my Washoku – traditional Japanese cooking, may want to visit https://www.instagram.com/_gaijinchef/)
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_2415.jpg640514Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2023-09-14 16:59:172023-09-17 21:46:36Why, how, and what I learned by earning my Bronze Certification in Japanese Cooking
Summer has ended and the exceedingly hot and inhospitable temperatures that accompanied it this year in many places in the United States and elsewhere is slowly dissipating.
While climate scientists and activists debates skeptics about the reality of climate change, one undeniable fact remains: the relentless heat has taken a toll on our environment and disproportionately impacted vulnerable groups.
Among those affected are farmworkers, laboring for hours under the scorching sun, harvesting the produce that makes its way to our supermarket shelves. There are also construction workers, racing to build new housing developments to meet consumer demand. Then, there are the homeless individuals struggling to survive each day on the unforgiving streets of our urban centers. And there are countless others who live and work in buildings without adequate air conditioning or ventilation.
One of the most severely impacted groups, however, are prisoners, in the southern part of United States who are forced to live and work in abysmal conditions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Historically, correctional facilities in this region have been characterized by their intense summer heat. Picture chain gangs toiling in the fields under the blazing Mississippi Delta sun, or the sweat boxes used as punishment in Arkansas prisons depicted in the 1980 film Brubaker.
However, the adverse effects of climate change, including extreme heat and humidity, are now reaching even the northern states, impacting jails and prisons in that regions.
So, what are the consequences of living in such extreme heat and humidity?
The impact of the heat extends beyond inmates. Correctional workers and some administrators are also grappling with the challenges of working in sweltering facilities.
Why is this the case? Many of the jails and prisons in the south of the United States, no less the country, are very old and have not renovated or retrofitted their institutions with adequate air conditioning systems. Why? These states are comparatively poorer than northern states, and the last thing politicians in these states want to do is to advocate for additional spending on correctional facilities. Past the road projects, and other public works projects the provision of air condition to jails and prisons is seen as a luxury.
Why has this situation persisted? Many of the jails and prisons in the southern United States, and across the nation, remain outdated and have not undergone renovations or retrofits to install adequate air conditioning systems. The root cause? Comparatively limited financial resources in these states, and the reluctance of politicians to advocate for increased spending on correctional facilities. In the hierarchy of public projects, air conditioning for jails and prisons is often perceived as a luxury, secondary to road projects and other public services the states provide.
As we move past another scorching summer, it is vital to recognize the dire consequences of extreme heat on vulnerable populations, including inmates and those who work in correctional facilities. By taking concrete actions, such as budget reallocation and federal support, we can alleviate the suffering caused by inadequate air conditioning and move closer to ensuring humane conditions for all. The time for change is now.
Photo: From the movie poster for Oh Brother, where art though?
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2023-09-07-at-9.25.22-PM.png438948Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2023-09-08 14:21:472023-09-08 14:21:47Oh Brother, where art the air conditioners?
Neighborhoods like Le Marais in Paris, the French Quarter in New Orleans, and the East Village in New York City are frequently celebrated for their historical significance, cultural diversity, architectural charm, artistic and bohemian vibes, lively street culture, and tourist attractions.
The decision to not simply visit, but to temporarily stay or live in an entertainment district or a bustling tourist hotspot like these may offer advantages such as better or more convenient access to cultural and recreational activities, diverse culinary experiences, nightlife and social scenes, job opportunities connected to these venues, and in some cases more affordable rents.
But this choice also means that both short and long term residents must deal with an array of challenges related to these unique urban public spaces.
For example, residents frequently encounter a tsunami of loud, distracted, and sometimes drunk pedestrians, and smells from restaurants, garbage, sewage gas, etc. Additionally, loud music coming from live performance venues and nightclubs, occasional street musicians, constant vehicular and pedestrian traffic, street noise produced by road and sidewalk repair, delivery vehicles, garbage trucks, etc., can lead to heightened stress levels, disrupted sleep patterns, and even mental health issues.
During the sweltering summer months, the absence of air conditioning (which is often the case in European cities) forces residents to keep their windows open, exacerbating the intrusion of external noise, smells, etc.
To mitigate the negative effects of living in such areas, it’s often helpful to implement a bunch of strategies or coping mechanisms. These can include:
* Soundproofing: Staying in residences, hotels, etc., that have invested in soundproofing materials for windows and doors to minimize the impact of external noise on indoor tranquility.
* Creating Calm Spaces: Designating quiet areas within your home, or the hotel you stay at complete with relaxing elements like plants and soft lighting.
* Using White Noise: Use white noise machines or smartphone apps to create a consistent background sound that masks intermittent disturbances.
* Noise-Canceling Headphones: Utilize noise-canceling headphones or earplugs, especially when you need or want to concentrate or sleep.
* Establishing Quiet Hours: Advocating for designated quiet hours in the neighborhood to allow residents and hotel guests moments of serenity.
* Engaging in Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness or meditation techniques to build resilience against surrounding noise.
* Exploring Peaceful Areas: Regularly venture beyond the bustling zones to explore quieter spaces (like parks, parkettes, etc.) that offer a break from the urban hustle, and
* Renting an apartment, AirBnb, etc. facing away from the noise or high enough off the ground so that these sounds are less of a problem.
While these strategies come at a cost, they empower residents to navigate the challenges of these urban public spaces, while preserving their mental well-being. And by adopting these coping mechanisms, individuals can fully embrace the benefits of their neighborhoods and enrich their urban experiences. Despite the ongoing noise, smells, etc. the pursuit of balance and tranquility can lead to a more workable and fulfilling urban city experience.
Photo Credit
Photographer: Kostas Limitsios
Title: Le Marais
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/19285514240_83a6a22e6a_o-scaled.jpg14412560Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2023-09-01 15:25:382023-09-01 15:25:38Looking for quiet in all the wrong places
Why, how, and what I learned by earning my Bronze Certification in Japanese Cooking
/by Jeffrey Ian RossIf you don’t live in Japan, have knowledgeable, skilled, and willing Japanese relatives and/or friends, or want to work in the kitchen of a decent Japanese restaurant for an extended period, it’s challenging learning how to cook traditional or home style Japanese food (also known as Washoku).
Sure you can make your way through a handful of respectable Japanese cookbooks or watch YouTube instructional videos, as I have, but this approach also has its limitations.
With the exception of the Sushi Academy in Torrance, California, (which focuses on one of the most popular but admittedly narrow type of Japanese cuisine), no formal cooking schools dedicated to teaching aspiring Japanese chefs currently exist in the United States.
Instead, you’re more likely to find occasional short-term workshops, specializing in highly specific Japanese food items (e.g., Ramen, etc.) offered online through platforms like Udemy, or in person, made available by cooking schools, such as Sur la Table, or Japanese cultural organizations (e.g., The Japan-America Society of Washington, DC), typically located in big cities.
Unfortunately, this kind of instruction is short-term, superficial, and lacks widely recognized certification components.
So, what options are available for enthusiasts like me, living in the United States who want to improve their ability to cook Japanese food?
Fortunately, I located an educational program that opened the doors to authentic Japanese culinary expertise.
The Bronze Certification Journey
It turns out that in 2016, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), in collaboration with The Association for the Advancement of the Japanese Culinary Art (AAJ), (the oldest Japanese culinary research organization in the country, with a membership of 10,000 Japanese chefs), developed a set of guidelines for recognizing individuals’ expertise in preparing Japanese Food.
This system classifies the expertise of Japanese chefs into three categories: Bronze, Silver and Gold. In order to achieve each level, candidates must successfully pass both written and practical tests.
The good news is that the Bronze certification can be earned entirely online through an accredited asynchronous course supervised by AAJ and sponsored by MAFF.
The classes are offered in English and only available for foreigners, with deadlines for the three stages (i.e., beginner, intermediate and advanced). A handful of designated Japanese cooking schools administer the certification process.
Over the past year, I enrolled in the courses, diligently watched instructional videos, and completed tests for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced stages. To deepen my connection with the subject matter and those managing the course, between earning my intermediate and completing the advanced Bronze certification, I completed a basic Japanese language class, and visited Tokyo where I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, course manager, and principle chef of Tsjuki Cooking School.
Pros and Cons of the Certification Process
On the Down Side
If you thrive best with face-to-face instruction and struggle with independent learning via distance modalities (esp. receiving instruction via videos and taking tests on-line, and submitting videos of yourself mastering cooking particular dishes) this course may not be suitable for you.
Although the videos are well produced, some content may seem repetitive. For example, it’s not really necessary to see one video on how to scale, clean, and fillet a horse mackerel and another one repeating this process with sea bream. In other words, once you have seen one video on this topic then any subsequent lessons are probably going to seem redundant. Then again, this is not necessarily a bad thing, because it reinforces the same basic skills.
Additionally, the continuous low-volume elevator music playing in the background of the videos can be a little annoying. Also watching online videos can become monotonous and lead to fatigue, although taking notes, as I did, can alleviate this issue. It remains unclear whether the course designers intend for participants to cook along with the videos or merely take notes, potentially extending the course duration if the former is preferred.
On the positive side
Despite these challenges, the course presents a well-structured series of instructional videos. The slow pacing allows for pausing and note-taking at your own pace. Additionally, the inclusion of different narrators and occasional slow-motion sequences enhances the understanding of various cooking processes.
One major advantage of this course is the satisfaction of completing an accredited program, ensuring accountability in your culinary education.
Although some casual observers may question the effectiveness of learning through videos, written texts, online tests, and self-taped video submissions, it proves to be a practical approach, especially when compared to limited alternatives.
My own journey had its share of hurdles; I even had to retake half of the final practical test on fish filleting. However, the chef’s detailed feedback on my strengths and areas for improvement proved invaluable.
In today’s educational landscape, online instruction is becoming increasingly prevalent, even among traditional instructors and professors. Moreover, my experience with this course has provided valuable insights that I can use to enhance my own teaching methods.
A Taste of Mastery
Completing the Bronze Certification has been a rewarding journey, one that has opened more doors for me towards a deeper understanding of Washoku. Even though it may not be the ideal choice for everyone wanting to improve their ability to cook Japanese food, for those willing to embrace distance learning and a bit of repetition, it offers an accredited path to mastering the art of Japanese cuisine.
As culinary education continues to evolve, embracing online modalities can be a valuable step toward acquiring new skills and knowledge.
(Those interested in my Washoku – traditional Japanese cooking, may want to visit https://www.instagram.com/_gaijinchef/)
Oh Brother, where art the air conditioners?
/by Jeffrey Ian RossSummer has ended and the exceedingly hot and inhospitable temperatures that accompanied it this year in many places in the United States and elsewhere is slowly dissipating.
While climate scientists and activists debates skeptics about the reality of climate change, one undeniable fact remains: the relentless heat has taken a toll on our environment and disproportionately impacted vulnerable groups.
Among those affected are farmworkers, laboring for hours under the scorching sun, harvesting the produce that makes its way to our supermarket shelves. There are also construction workers, racing to build new housing developments to meet consumer demand. Then, there are the homeless individuals struggling to survive each day on the unforgiving streets of our urban centers. And there are countless others who live and work in buildings without adequate air conditioning or ventilation.
One of the most severely impacted groups, however, are prisoners, in the southern part of United States who are forced to live and work in abysmal conditions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Historically, correctional facilities in this region have been characterized by their intense summer heat. Picture chain gangs toiling in the fields under the blazing Mississippi Delta sun, or the sweat boxes used as punishment in Arkansas prisons depicted in the 1980 film Brubaker.
However, the adverse effects of climate change, including extreme heat and humidity, are now reaching even the northern states, impacting jails and prisons in that regions.
So, what are the consequences of living in such extreme heat and humidity?
This past summer, there was a staggering increase in the number of inmates falling ill from heat exhaustion and tragically many of them died. Although we can blame the prolonged hot weather on climate change, it is no secret that correctional facilities in the United States have often lacked air conditioning, or if present, it is typically subpar or non-functional. What’s the effect on prisoners? Among other physical effects, the heat disrupts sleep patterns, leading to irritability due to sleep deprivation, which in turn can escalate into physical violence.
The impact of the heat extends beyond inmates. Correctional workers and some administrators are also grappling with the challenges of working in sweltering facilities.
Why is this the case? Many of the jails and prisons in the south of the United States, no less the country, are very old and have not renovated or retrofitted their institutions with adequate air conditioning systems. Why? These states are comparatively poorer than northern states, and the last thing politicians in these states want to do is to advocate for additional spending on correctional facilities. Past the road projects, and other public works projects the provision of air condition to jails and prisons is seen as a luxury.
Why has this situation persisted? Many of the jails and prisons in the southern United States, and across the nation, remain outdated and have not undergone renovations or retrofits to install adequate air conditioning systems. The root cause? Comparatively limited financial resources in these states, and the reluctance of politicians to advocate for increased spending on correctional facilities. In the hierarchy of public projects, air conditioning for jails and prisons is often perceived as a luxury, secondary to road projects and other public services the states provide.
Unsurprisingly, an increasing number of civil suits connected to these deplorable prison conditions, targeting wardens, state correctional systems, and corrections superintendents have been launched.
Much of the impending legal troubles could be preempted if the affected states reallocated their budgets to address the pressing issue of inadequate air conditioning in correctional facilities. Additionally, the federal government should establish emergency funds and allocate resources to assist struggling jails and prisons in purchasing and installing proper air conditioning systems.
As we move past another scorching summer, it is vital to recognize the dire consequences of extreme heat on vulnerable populations, including inmates and those who work in correctional facilities. By taking concrete actions, such as budget reallocation and federal support, we can alleviate the suffering caused by inadequate air conditioning and move closer to ensuring humane conditions for all. The time for change is now.
Photo: From the movie poster for Oh Brother, where art though?
Looking for quiet in all the wrong places
/by Jeffrey Ian RossNeighborhoods like Le Marais in Paris, the French Quarter in New Orleans, and the East Village in New York City are frequently celebrated for their historical significance, cultural diversity, architectural charm, artistic and bohemian vibes, lively street culture, and tourist attractions.
The decision to not simply visit, but to temporarily stay or live in an entertainment district or a bustling tourist hotspot like these may offer advantages such as better or more convenient access to cultural and recreational activities, diverse culinary experiences, nightlife and social scenes, job opportunities connected to these venues, and in some cases more affordable rents.
But this choice also means that both short and long term residents must deal with an array of challenges related to these unique urban public spaces.
For example, residents frequently encounter a tsunami of loud, distracted, and sometimes drunk pedestrians, and smells from restaurants, garbage, sewage gas, etc. Additionally, loud music coming from live performance venues and nightclubs, occasional street musicians, constant vehicular and pedestrian traffic, street noise produced by road and sidewalk repair, delivery vehicles, garbage trucks, etc., can lead to heightened stress levels, disrupted sleep patterns, and even mental health issues.
During the sweltering summer months, the absence of air conditioning (which is often the case in European cities) forces residents to keep their windows open, exacerbating the intrusion of external noise, smells, etc.
To mitigate the negative effects of living in such areas, it’s often helpful to implement a bunch of strategies or coping mechanisms. These can include:
* Soundproofing: Staying in residences, hotels, etc., that have invested in soundproofing materials for windows and doors to minimize the impact of external noise on indoor tranquility.
* Creating Calm Spaces: Designating quiet areas within your home, or the hotel you stay at complete with relaxing elements like plants and soft lighting.
* Using White Noise: Use white noise machines or smartphone apps to create a consistent background sound that masks intermittent disturbances.
* Noise-Canceling Headphones: Utilize noise-canceling headphones or earplugs, especially when you need or want to concentrate or sleep.
* Establishing Quiet Hours: Advocating for designated quiet hours in the neighborhood to allow residents and hotel guests moments of serenity.
* Engaging in Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness or meditation techniques to build resilience against surrounding noise.
* Exploring Peaceful Areas: Regularly venture beyond the bustling zones to explore quieter spaces (like parks, parkettes, etc.) that offer a break from the urban hustle, and
* Renting an apartment, AirBnb, etc. facing away from the noise or high enough off the ground so that these sounds are less of a problem.
While these strategies come at a cost, they empower residents to navigate the challenges of these urban public spaces, while preserving their mental well-being. And by adopting these coping mechanisms, individuals can fully embrace the benefits of their neighborhoods and enrich their urban experiences. Despite the ongoing noise, smells, etc. the pursuit of balance and tranquility can lead to a more workable and fulfilling urban city experience.
Photo Credit
Photographer: Kostas Limitsios
Title: Le Marais