We’re starting the new school year on an exciting note! Gakuen is happy to welcome two new language teachers, Keiko Swanson-sensei and Minae Murakami-sensei. To kick things off, our first cultural event of the year took place on September 3, when students got to try the lively tradition of somen nagashi.
For those new to it, somen are thin wheat noodles often enjoyed in Japan during hot summers. They’re boiled quickly, chilled in ice water, and eaten with a flavorful dipping sauce called mentsuyu. Light, refreshing, and topped with favorites like green onions or nori, somen is a simple but beloved dish.
What makes somen nagashi so fun is the way it’s served: noodles are released into flowing water through a long bamboo or plastic tube, and everyone waits with chopsticks in hand to catch them on the way down. Students laughed, cheered, and concentrated hard as they tried to snatch the noodles before they slipped away, definitely a test of chopstick skills and quick reflexes! Those who had tried somen nagashi before knew exactly how to position themselves and strategize to scoop up more noodles, while first-timers got plenty of tips (and noodles!) mahalo to their more experienced classmates.
It was a wonderful way to bring students together while learning about Japanese food. We’re planning more cultural activities throughout the year, and we’d love your help! If you know someone, or would like to host an activity yourself, please reach out and let us know.