Gratitude from the Mountain

The success of Ask the Mountain for the Menu at JACCC was made possible by the incredible support of our patrons and the generous contributions of our sponsors. This unique pop-up experience, featuring Hanabishi restaurant's masterful interpretation of Koyasan shojin ryori, transported our guests through 1,200 years of Japanese culinary and spiritual tradition.

We extend our deepest gratitude to The Henri & Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation, whose commitment to preserving and sharing Japanese cultural heritage made this event possible. The authentic connection to Koyasan's spiritual traditions was strengthened through the invaluable support of Beikoku Koyasan Betsuin and the Koyasan Kongobuji International Affairs Section.

The Japan Foundation and Wakayama Prefecture's support helped bridge geographical distances, bringing the essence of temple culture directly to our community. Special recognition goes to Koyasan Hanabishi Restaurant for sharing their expertise in this ancient culinary art form, and to the Koyasan Shingon-shu Hokubei Kaikyo Sokan-bu for their guidance in maintaining the tradition's authenticity.

We're particularly thankful to Miyako Oriental Foods Inc. for their in-kind support, ensuring that every ingredient met the exacting standards of Shojin Ryori preparation. Their contribution helped maintain the integrity of these centuries-old recipes.

Most importantly, we thank our guests who embraced this unique opportunity to experience more than just a meal. Your enthusiasm for exploring the intersection of spirituality and cuisine, your engagement with the meditation sessions, and your appreciation for the mindful preparation of each dish created an atmosphere of genuine cultural exchange.

The evening demonstrated how ancient wisdom can resonate deeply with contemporary audiences. As we witnessed the careful presentation of seasonal ingredients and participated in guided ajikan meditation from Koyasan's monks, we shared a tradition that has nourished both body and spirit for over a millennium.

This event's success reinforces our commitment to bringing unique cultural experiences to our community. We look forward to future opportunities to share more of Japan's rich cultural heritage with you all.