Food is always a big aspect of culture. If you go to any place in the world, people will always have a food that can represent their nation. A way of understanding the culture of a nation is knowing and tasting their food. This was the idea we had in mind when we organized the event “Let’s Dango!”. This event was held in partnership with San Roque National High School. Students from Kogakuin SHS 1-8 class taught grade 11 students from the Philippines on how to cook the Japanese snack dango through Zoom.

There were challenges along the way such as finding the counterpart of Mirin 'みりん' in the Philippines and what type of flour is to be used. These challenges enabled the students to compare what ingredients are commonly used for both countries. Students were also able to see that even though Philippines and Japan both share the love for rice, dishes can still be very different.

Everything went well and everyone was able to make their own version of the Japanese dango! The only regret we have is that we can’t taste each other’s dango. Maybe someday!

Messages from the Philippines & Photos of their Dango

Student 1
Dango recipe is a unique and simple recipe, and it has an acquired taste. It’s so delicious, soft, and especially the taste of its sauce, when I was tasting it with my aunt, she said “It’s delicious crunch on the outside and on the inside”. And when my cousin tasted it she was amazed on how I did it. Maybe, I’ll let my other cousin try this soon. And to the student’s in Japan who teaches there recipe thank you it’s an honor to learn a new dessert. It’s so delicious and it’s so challenging for me that I was learning a new dessert via zoom/online. Sometimes it lags but I was still able to follow easily. I love learning new dishes from around the world, especially when you need to budget your money and at least it was just easy to make. 

Student 2
It was really great that our school manages to contact the Japanese schools to interact with us, students. They taught us how to make Dango. I got really frustrated because I panic for a little but it’s okay now it did go a little bit well. Maybe I would try a different Japanese dish next time and hopefully, I could visit them if I have the budget.