2022 Keiro no Hi Luncheon

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2022 Keiro no Hi Obento Luncheon!

This year, the Fort Worth Japanese Society celebrated Respect for the Aged Day and served over 70 attendees and volunteers an delicious luncheon of grill salmon, tsukune, and a variety of amazing vegetables.

Like other luncheons hosted at the Yamagata Building, this was a terrific opportunity for members to catch up with one another after the summer. These luncheons are also one of our favorite ways of sharing Japanese culture by sharing Japanese cuisine with the community.

This luncheon, however, is close to our hearts for two particular reasons.

First is the opportunity it affords to give thanks to our elder members whose knowledge and experience have made our organization what it is today. It has been our tradition for many years now to plan our September luncheon as a way to celebrate Keiro no Hi (敬老の日), a Japanese holiday for celebrating the long life and cultural contributions of our elder community members. One way we show our gratitude is with beautiful boutonnieres given to elder members when they arrive for our gathering.

The second event that makes this day exciting is our annual Obento Decorating Contests.

Five guests were invited this year to create a decorated obento using food items that we supplied. This included all the dishes that were prepared for the luncheon, as well as a spread of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The results this year were amazing!

Also, because we know some members enjoy decorating bento boxes with their own food and tools, we have a second contest just for these entrants.

Having the freedom to make these bento boxes at your own pace and with your own tools, made for incredible results.

Again, we want to thank everyone that attended and made it a great afternoon! If you missed this luncheon, don’t worry! Our next luncheon will be in early October and feature a dish that is quickly growing in popularity: shoyu ramen!