Before ARI, Mako Masukawa once worked in the kitchen of a top restaurant in Kyoto. Now, she volunteers at ARI, helping with meal preparation.
She shared: “If everyone could eat delicious food, I don’t think wars would happen.”
When she worked in high-end cuisine, Mako was always busy and had to push herself through work, even when experiencing deep frustration. After a certain point, she asked herself, “Was this the kind of cooking I truly wanted?” That moment led her to the decision to come to ARI. Now, as a volunteer, she faces “cooking” once more, continuing her search for the answer to the question, “What is ‘delicious’?”
This painting, created by Mako, embodies such thoughts.
For delicious food to be born, clean air, clean water, and clean soil are necessary. Cooking isn’t just about filling stomachs; it’s where the cook’s heart, the local environment, and wishes for peace all converge.
As these small thoughts accumulate, and from her hands that cook, a gentle peace spreads.
Interviewed & Written by Konoha Yamanaka (ARI Volunteer)
Click here to read the series of articles
“Peace from Food” Cooking for Peace Vol. 1
“Peace from Food” Cooking for Peace Vol. 2 ← Now, you’re here.
