Explaining Japanese Food

This short activity can stand on its own or function as a follow-up to reinforce the cultural discussion lesson called The Taste of Home. To prepare for this activity, the teacher must purchase some Japanese snack or sweets (preferably something offered in small portions).

Tell the student that he must imagine that the teacher works in an office with him. Someone has brought a bag or box of treats that are given to everyone in the office. The teacher is a new foreign employee who knows nothing about Japanese culture. The student must explain what the food is in English to the teacher.

After setting the imaginary situation, give the student the sweet or snack and allow him to eat it as well as study the wrapping or package. If necessary, the teacher can ask leading questions as would naturally happen if she were given some food she didn't know about. Possible questions include:

• Is it sweet/salty?
• Does it have a strong/weak taste?
• Is it made with sugar/salt/soy sauce/fruit/vegetables/nuts/etc.?
• Is it baked/fried/grilled?
• Is it a cake/cracker/cookie/chip?

Try to get the student to explain as much as possible and to consider how the food was prepared if he has problems explaining what it is.

This activity gives the student practice in explaining his own culture in a manner which could very likely prove useful in the future since it is relatively common for pre-packaged Japanese food to be given as a gift to foreign guests or friends. It also allows the student to enjoy a treat with the teacher and builds a convivial atmosphere.