Learning Space No. 5 [TANE Toyoshige Ota]

In my 20s , I wanted to become someone.

I need to learn something, I need to be able to do something.

I worked in various jobs, traveled, and spent my days feeling restless.

I thought there would be a satisfactory answer somewhere.

So we began our journey as if we were living in India, and ended up in the country.

Life goes on monotonously in a village in the northernmost part of India that the protagonist arrives at by chance.

They collect water, cook with firewood, raise cattle, pray and spend time with their families.

The shock of seeing a scene straight out of a movie made me realize the importance of everyday life in India, an extraordinary place.

I still remember that day so vividly, and I want to see that view again; the aftereffects of that emotion are what motivate me.

It's been 10 years since I visited India, which showed me this view.

I try to express at least some of the scenery, thoughts, and emotions I felt there through my cooking.

It may have seemed like I'd taken a roundabout route to get there, but I wouldn't have been able to get there without all the dots that had come before.

I began to feel that various things were happening at the perfect time.

As I started working with spices, it really made sense to me that they are all made from plants.

Like vegetables, the aroma changes depending on the season.

There are differences depending on when spices are purchased, and the types and uses of spices vary greatly in each region of India.

In the vast country of India, even if you take one recipe as an example, the taste varies between religions and ethnic groups, making it difficult to define.

I think the answer is not to jump to conclusions.

The days of searching for those definitive answers are too long to be learned in this lifetime.

As I was writing this, it suddenly dawned on me that this was my answer at the time.

That's why I feel it's important to continue learning rather than trying to become someone.

Deepening your knowledge is of course important, but I also think that taking a moment to stop and think at your own pace can be an opportunity to gain new insights.

Take your time and continue learning at a pace that is comfortable for you.

In this learning opportunity, I not only gained knowledge and cooking techniques, but also made a conscious effort to convey what I feel when I use my hands every day.

Recipes are important, but cooking also requires careful observation and using all five senses.

Then you'll notice a difference every time.

The aroma wafting through the air, the sensation of mixing, the changing colors of the ingredients...

I feel like things are changing rapidly.

Rather than being conscious of and sticking to the theme of this Utsushiki, "change,"

It's important to cook in a way that allows you to enjoy variety.

We tend to focus on how to make something taste better,

I think deliciousness is a gift that comes with the process, a chance encounter between the five senses and the heart.

The answer will vary depending on your physical condition and mental state at the time, and I think that's fine.

The impact that learning has on a person is immeasurable.

Thinking changes and behavior changes.

I am one of those who have benefited from this.

And there was a lot I learned by communicating.

Thanks to everyone who participated and supported us.

Thank you very much.