HASH196, a Kizunaya sharehouse, has a club activity called the International Club.
In addition to Japanese members, there are international members from the Philippines, Vietnam, Switzerland, New Zealand, Uganda, France, Georgia, and Canada.

“Since we have international members, I want to cook and eat their country’s food!”

Some club members were talking about having a world food party.
We approached the other members, and five international members agreed.

We decided that the menu would consist of their native cuisines and vegan dishes!

At the start time, the participating members gradually gathered in the kitchen, and the usually mainly Japanese kitchen became an international mix of faces.
However, the cooking did not start on time…
Some of the Japanese members were surprised at the cultural differences.
Living in a sharehouse, there are many moments in your daily life when you get to experience different cultures.

“How should I cut these vegetables?”
“How long do I fry them?”

Some members were puzzled by the dishes they were cooking for the first time, but the international members taught them how to cook together.

The menu consisted of the following five dishes.

– Phở (Vietnam)

– Sinigang (Philippines)

– Fried Chicken (USA)

– Chapatti (Uganda)

– Vegan Tacos (vegan option)

Is this really a sharehouse in Japan?

The dishes on the table were not Japanese recipes, but recipes that overseas members are familiar with from their home countries.
There were 19 people from 8 different countries gathered around the table.

We felt like we were traveling in the Philippines, Vietnam, the U.S., and Uganda.
I also felt like I was studying abroad.

“Let’s eat!”

When we tried the foods, we found them all delicious.
“I wonder where this dish is from…? It’s so good!”
The Japanese members were eating silently.

Meanwhile, the overseas members expressed their impressions and appreciation out loud to the members who made the food.
“Who made this? It’s delicious! Thank you!”
Here, too, we could feel the difference in culture.

Sinigang is a sour soup from the Philippines.
Among the dishes we served this time, it was the most unfamiliar dish to the Japanese, so we shared it with the residents who could not attend the
party.
“What is this? Where is it from?”
Even those who were skeptical about the dish ended up saying it was delicious.

The vegan tacos were made for the vegans in the house.
“It’s all soy and veggies, but it tastes great!”
Our first vegan tacos were also a big hit.
Veganism is gradually spreading in the house.

After the party, it was time for karaoke!

Once the dishes were done, 80% of the members gathered for karaoke.
Their footwork is light, as if they were still students and not working adults.
They enjoy the present moment in an international style.

Today, I told you about our International Dinner Party.

We enjoy international communication daily at the sharehouse.

In addition to cooking, we talk to each other in English and enjoy karaoke, summer festivals, camping, watching movies, eating out, and many other forms of socializing.
We get along well with people of all nationalities, so gathering in the living room to talk is a daily occurrence.

Of course, language ability is not essential for interaction.
There are Japanese members who cannot speak English.
There are also foreigners who are studying Japanese, so it is possible to have language exchange.

One of the advantages of living in a sharehouse is the opportunity for international exchange.

– Even if you have never traveled abroad or done international exchange, you can experience it in a sharehouse.

– It will give you the spark to go abroad and do international exchange.

– You can learn about different cultures in your daily life.

– You can study languages.

– You can make friends all over the world.

If you are even slightly interested in international exchange, cross-cultural understanding, or language study, please try living in a sharehouse.