On the evening of July 23, international students from U Share Nishiwaseda gathered at U Share Minami Aoyama for a Sushi Workshop that combined Japanese culinary tradition with the joy of learning together. The evening began with Masa-san, CEO of U Share, introducing two of Japan’s most iconic styles of sushi: omakase and kaiten-zushi. While kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) is known for its convenience, omakase is a more personal experience—where the chef tailors each piece based on intuition, adjusting everything from the amount of wasabi to rice acidity.
“Omakase means entrusting the chef,” Masa explained. With ingredients prepped, he demonstrated how to make an authentic nigiri from scratch—shaping the rice just right, balancing the wasabi based on the fish’s oiliness, and placing each slice with care. Soon, everyone was trying their hand at omakase-style sushi, and laughter filled the room as first-timers proudly shared their creations with neighbors.
Residents also enjoyed sushi alongside a refreshing mix of drinks—slightly sweet Japanese sake, crisp beer, and non-alcoholic options that added a relaxed, celebratory vibe to the evening. With each bite, we connected not only with Japanese food culture but also with one another.
At U Share, an international student dorm near Waseda campus, we do more than just live under the same roof—we share meals, stories, and kindness. Passing handmade nigiri to friends reminded us what sharing truly means: caring for each other. Each personalized piece of sushi carried someone’s effort, curiosity, and willingness to try something new. Students from U Share also had the chance to connect with working professionals living at U Share Minami Aoyama. Conversations flowed naturally between plates, covering everything from language learning and travel dreams to summer plans.
For many, it was their first time making sushi from scratch. For others, it was a chance to reconnect with familiar flavors. But for everyone, the experience served as a reminder: food is more than just nourishment, it’s a universal language that brings people together.
Through culture, cuisine, and conversation, we continue building an inclusive community full of flavor. This wasn’t just about making sushi—it was about making memories.
