The Grand Finale: Our Last Workshop in 2024

Facilitator:Can I ask the first question today? It’s typical, but how do you usually prepare and enjoy Toshikoshi soba?

Participant 1 :In a few days, I’ll buy packed soba. I’ll boil water, cook the soba, and add dashi pack. I’ll also prepare vegetables like negi and carrots. Finally, I’ll add the soba.

F :I see. Not cup noodles?

P1 :No, not cup noodles.

F :This year, we’re going to Kyoto on the 30th and spending New Year’s there. Kyoto is crowded, but my husband found less-known places. Unfortunately, our favorite café will be closed. We’ll likely have Toshikoshi soba on the 30th at a small Mom-and-Pop soba restaurant off the main streets.

P1 :That sounds good. Soba in Kansai and Kanto is quite different.

F :I agree. I used to prefer udon, but since I remarried, I’ve come to like soba, especially Kansai-style with light dashi.

F :P2 is here! Hello, P2. Can you hear me?

P2 :I’m here now.

F :Did you just come back from school?

P2 :Yes, I just got home.

F :P1 is here. You remember her, right?

P2 :Of course.

F :K-san said, P2 was very handsome when K-san delivered his Rakugo in English performance here.

P1:I didn't realize Akira-san was at the venue during the rakugo event.

F :P2, how do you prepare and enjoy Toshikoshi soba?

Participant 2 :As a child, I didn’t like soba. On New Year’s Eve, my family ate soba, but I would ask my mother to make UDON for me. She was kind and would prepare it. Now as an adult, I like soba.

F :So you’ve come to enjoy it.

P2 :Yes. However, I couldn’t eat cake on New Year’s because it’s my birthday, which was disappointing as a child.

F :I didn’t like soba when I was young either. Since remarrying, I’ve come to enjoy it more.

F :Next question: Do you prepare osechi ryori yourself or buy it?

P1 :I buy it because preparing osechi takes a lot of time. Purchased osechi is beautiful, delicious, and convenient. Recently, I’ve been ordering osechi from Japanet Takata.

F:That’s practical.

P2 :My mother passed away this year, so I’m not sure what we’ll do. My daughter’s family will visit us, so perhaps we’ll buy osechi.

F :During my first marriage, I cooked osechi every year. My mother and mother-in-law inspired me with their cooking. Now, we visit restaurants instead of making osechi.

P1 :Why don’t you cook osechi anymore?

F :My husband doesn’t think it’s necessary to follow traditions strictly. He prefers being practical and enjoying the holiday differently.

P2 :When my mother was alive, my family would visit hot spring inns for New Year’s. It was relaxing for everyone.

F :Housewives need holidays too!

P1 :I clean the kitchen and floors because it’s necessary, especially with our new cat. Keeping the house clean has become a daily task.

P2 :I cleaned my room recently and found old CDs, which made me happy. Cleaning helps me rediscover forgotten treasures.

F :Did you throw anything away?

P2 :Yes, but I kept nostalgic items, like lists of former students and old group photos.

F :It’s always a pleasure reconnecting with memories.

P2 :My grandmother and father passed away at home, which has always felt meaningful and mysterious to me.

F :Thank you all for joining today. Have a happy New Year!

Everyone :Happy New Year!