The Okinawan Way: Bokashi Composting Workshop
When
Select Saturdays – 2026 Schedule:
- Isamu Noguchi Plaza (10:00 am - 12:00 pm):
February 14, June 13 & October 10 - Zenshuji Soto Mission (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm):
April 11, August 8 & December 12
Where
Price
$15.00 (+ $1.50 fee)
Includes a DIY Bokashi Bag and a mottainai refreshment.
Supplies and Bokashi Kits ($35.00 each, includes 1 bucket + supplies) are available (cash or Venmo only).
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About
Discover bokashi composting, an easy-to-learn Okinawan method that simplifies how you reduce food waste at home. This clean fermentation process allows you to compost all kitchen scraps (including meat, fish, and dairy) and transform them into nutrient-rich material for your plants, without the mess, smell, or intensive upkeep of traditional composting systems.
Designed for beginners and those looking for a more manageable approach, this workshop series breaks bokashi down into clear, practical steps that fit seamlessly into everyday routines. Learn how the process works, how little time it takes to maintain, and how composting can become a simple, sustainable habit rather than a chore.
Presented in collaboration with Sustainable Little Tokyo, this 9-year long series connects Okinawan cultural knowledge with hands-on, community-based environmental education, offering a practical way to make a meaningful impact on food waste in Los Angeles.
Learn how simple composting can be. Join a workshop and start composting with confidence.
Things To Know
In Memoriam: Hiroyuki Takeuchi (1948 - 2019)
Hiroyuki “Bokashi Man” Takeuchi was an inspiration, mentor, and dear friend, and the driving force behind the founding of the Little Tokyo Bokashi Club.
After learning the Okinawan bokashi technique from Dr. Teruo Higa, Hiroyuki generously shared his knowledge, time, and laughter with the Little Tokyo community. JACCC will always be grateful for Hiroyuki, whose vibrant spirit, boundless joy, and unforgettable smile continue to live on in our community.
Bokashi Bran Recipe
How Bokashi Composting Works
- Collect food scraps in a bucket with drainage and a tight-fitting lid.
- Add a handful of bokashi bran, then close the lid tightly.
- Repeat until the bucket is full.
- Seal the bucket and let it ferment for 2 weeks.
- Bury the fermented food waste and cover with soil.
- After another 2 weeks, the soil is ready for planting.
How to Make Bokashi Bran
Ingredients
- 4 lbs Wheat Bran
- 3 cups Water
- 1.5 tbsp Molasses
- 1.5 tbsp Microbial Liquid*
Directions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine water, molasses, and microbial liquid.
- Stir until fully mixed.
- Place wheat bran in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the wheat bran.
- Mix thoroughly until the bran is evenly coated.
Fermentation & Storage
- Divide the bran mixture in half and place into airtight bags.
- Press out as much air as possible.
- Seal tightly with rubber bands.
- Store in a dark space or inside a black bag.
- Let ferment for 2 weeks.
- After fermentation, transfer bokashi bran into paper bags to dry.
Once fully dry, your bokashi bran is ready to use.
The microbial liquid used in this recipe is commercially sold in the U.S. as EM-1 concentrate and is available online from retailers such as SCD Probiotics and TeraGanix.
Accessibility
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, contact info@jaccc.org.
Plan Your Visit
Isamu Noguchi Plaza is located at 244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, and Zenshuji Soto Mission is at 123 S. Hewitt Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
JACCC is a 7-minute walk from the L.A. Metro Rail's Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, which connects to both the A and E lines via the Regional Connector. Zenshuji Soto Mission is just a 5-minute walk from the same station.
For additional transportation options and parking details, check out Go Little Tokyo's Guide to the area here.