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KArtsCon2024: Madoka Davis – Crafting Cultural Heritage: The Art of Charaben* as a Contemporary Legacy

Madoka Davis, a Japanese Food Cooking Tutor, is based in Chatham, Medway.

Madoka was born and raised in Kyoto, inherited her profound love for food and cooking from her mother, grandmother, and her father’s former bakery, “Petit Roll.”

The recipes she shares are treasures, passed down through generations, enriched by her father’s exceptional bread baking skills. The delight of sharing and the recollections of her mother’s exquisite home cooking remain as clear to Madoka as they always have been.

Madoka infuses these cherished memories into her cookery classes, relishing the interaction with people and sharing the culinary passion that was an evident path for her. Located in the center of Medway, her specially designed kitchen offers a bright and expansive space for creative cooking, designed to foster a truly engaging cooking experience. Petit Roll is not only a registered and insured business but also boasts an excellent food hygiene rating of 5.

There is no greater pleasure than passing on this rich legacy and fostering joyful moments with others,” Madoka expressed.

Email Address: petitroll40@gmail.com
Website: https://www.petitroll.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetitRoll
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petit_roll

Presentation: Crafting Cultural Heritage: The Art of Charaben* as a Contemporary Legacy

* Charaben, or Kyaraben, is the shortened term for ‘character bento’ (キャラクター弁当), also known as Decoben, an abbreviation of ‘decoration bento’ (デコレーション弁当), is an edible art packed in a bento with decorations and elaborate designs,  representing a creative style of Japanese boxed lunch ‘bento’ (弁当).

Rationale:

In Japan, bento-making isn’t just about packing lunch; it embodies the preservation of cultural heritage through cuisine. This talk and demonstration will explore charaben, a modern twist on traditional bento, within the theme of “Art as Legacy.” Madoka’s presentation will illustrate how Japanese boxed lunch (bento) extends beyond a simple dish, serving as a conduit for inheriting traditions via creative and innovative expressions.

Methodology and Findings:

The presentation begins with a 20-minute PowerPoint (PPT) session that delves into the history and importance of bento in Japan. Following this, Madoka will demonstrate the creation of charaben, highlighting the artistic methods used. While the demonstration won’t be hands-on, it will provide insight into the colourful and imaginative world of Japanese boxed lunch design (bento).

Discussion of Content:

During the session, we will explore the cultural significance of bento and the way Japanese boxed lunch design embodies a blend of tradition and modernity. Exploring the visual appeal and symbolic significance of charaben will lead participants to a greater appreciation of the artistry inherent in this culinary tradition.

Recommendation/Conclusion:

In conclusion, this presentation highlights the role of Japanese boxed lunch design as a form of cultural expression and artistic legacy. Through demonstrating the art of bento and charaben creation, we aim to encourage others to delve into the confluence of cuisine, artistry, and cultural legacy in their personal experiences.

Kent Arts Conference