Japanese Bento Cooking Class on the Sunshine Coast – A Three-Tier Bento Box and the Heartfelt Connection Passed Down from My Grandmother 🍱✨

Learning the Spirit of “Thank You” from My Grandmother and Her Bento Box

The reason I started my Japanese cooking classes here on the Sunshine Coast, Australia, goes back to a single bento box my grandmother left behind.
My precious three-tier bento box was made in 1934, during the Showa era.
For 93 years, it carried countless meals, memories, and the love of our family.

This April, after returning to Japan to host ten collaborative cooking classes around Tokyo, I felt an overwhelming urge to see my grandmother one last time.
I thought, “If not now, then when?”
When I entered her hospital room, she was lying quietly with her eyes closed, struggling to breathe.
Though she could no longer speak, I could feel her trying to tell me something through the gentle expression on her face.

I held her hand and whispered softly:
“Grandma, thank you. Because of you, your cooking was passed down to my mother, and now to me. That’s why I can share it here in Australia.”
As I said those words, she slowly opened her eyes and looked straight at me.
In that moment, I felt everything she wanted to say pouring into my heart.
It was the last time we would see each other.
The next morning, she passed away peacefully, as if she had been waiting just long enough for us to share that moment of gratitude.

The Unique Charm of a Japanese Cooking Class on the Sunshine Coast

My bento cooking classes are not simply about learning recipes.
They are about tasting Japanese tradition, feeling the bond of family, and sharing time together in a warm, welcoming space.

People join my classes because they want to try authentic Japanese cuisine or share a cultural experience with their children.
Many find me by searching keywords like “Japanese cooking class Sunshine Coast” or “Bento making class Australia.”

Today, I teach in several locations across the Sunshine Coast, including Noosa, Yandina, Doonan, Buderim, and Baringa.
Each venue has its own atmosphere, using fresh local ingredients to create a truly memorable experience.
For those who prefer privacy or convenience, I also offer private cooking classes in clients’ homes and Airbnb accommodations.

Recreating Showa-Era Bento – Savoring Family History

Showa-era bento were humble and simple in appearance.
Yet each dish carried the careful thought and love of the person who prepared it.

My grandmother’s bentos never used fancy ingredients.
Soft and slightly sweet tamagoyaki, lightly salted onigiri, fragrant teriyaki chicken – these simple flavors always made us feel cared for.
Every time I pack a bento, I imagine her hands doing the same, hoping the person who opened it would smile.

During the classes, I teach participants how to balance flavor, choose seasonal colors, and pack everything beautifully into the box.
Our Three-Tier Bento Story is not just about cooking – it’s about inheriting a piece of the past.

Parents and children often come together to prepare their meals.
Seeing a child proudly say, “I made this myself!” is one of the greatest joys of this work. 🌿

A Welcoming Class for Beginners and Families

“Will I be okay if I’ve never made Japanese food before?”
“Is it too difficult for children?”
You don’t have to worry – my classes are designed for all levels, including complete beginners.

You’ll learn:

• How to choose fresh ingredients: Understanding what makes each season’s produce special

• Color balance: Combining red, yellow, and green to make each bento look beautiful

• Flavor harmony: Mixing sweetness, saltiness, and a touch of acidity

• Packing tips: Arranging everything neatly so it stays intact

Bento is an expression of love.
It’s the spirit my grandmother passed to my mother and, in turn, to me – and now I’m honored to share it here.

A Legacy That Connects Us All – My Grandmother’s Recipe for the Future

After she passed, I spent time creating a slideshow of photos from her 96 years.
In every picture – whether she was standing in her kitchen or holding vegetables from her garden – I could feel her gratitude and gentle spirit.
Whenever I open the old bento box, it feels like she is saying:
“Eat well. Be strong.”

Cooking has a way of crossing all barriers.
When I see people in Australia taste a piece of Japanese tradition and smile, I know my grandmother’s legacy lives on.

Class Details and Booking Information

🌸 Locations:
Noosa, Yandina, Doonan, Buderim, Baringa – Community Centres
Private classes also available at homes or Airbnb locations

🌿 Price:
AUD 95 per person (including all ingredients)

⏰ Duration:
2.5 hours

🍙 What to Bring:
Apron and a small towel

📞 How to Book: check below Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/tomonese/events/
Via my website or by phone – details are listed below

If you’re searching for “Japanese cooking class Australia” or “Traditional Japanese bento workshop,” this experience is for you.

In Closing – Sharing the Heart of “Okagesama” with You

The last time my grandmother opened her eyes, I felt her saying, “Thank you for carrying this forward.”
Through cooking, I hope to keep telling her story and sharing that gratitude.

Come join me on the Sunshine Coast.
Let’s create beautiful bentos together and make warm memories that connect hearts across cultures.
I look forward to meeting you soon. 🍀✨