Through the Kitchen Window — Season 1, Episode 1: Tama Hiyama: Chirashi Zushi Home-party Sushi

Episode synopsis

Recipes are often developed over several lifetimes of work, lovingly crafted and passed on from generation to generation. These dishes represent much more than home cooking. This program delves into traditional recipes to shine a light on unique food cultures across Japan, and discover the older generation's seasoned philosophies of life. Tami Hiyama, 92 years old, lives alone in Fukuoka City, where she has taught home cooking for more than 60 years. We learn her recipe for "chirashi-zushi," a special kind of sushi eaten at family celebrations. Tami prepares the finest ingredients but she says mindset is just as important -- she cooks the dish imagining those who will soon enjoy it. What does "chirashi-zushi" mean to 92-year-old Tami? We discover her recipes for life and the secrets of her good health.

About Through the Kitchen Window

These short documentaries take an intimate look at the lifestyles and culinary passions of people across Japan. Their stories are sure to warm the heart and whet the appetite.

More episodes from Season 1

• E2Akemi and Satsuki: Shojin Ryori, Buddhist Cuisine
• E3Akio Okamura: Sardines Pickled in Rice Bran
• E4Sayaka Mori: Seaweed Maki Roll
• E5Misao Kuwata: Mochi Rice Cakes Wrapped in Bamboo Leaves
• E6Jiyu Gakuen: Salmon Chirashi Zushi
• E7Harie, Shiga: A Town Living with Water
• E8Shimi-konnyaku, Ibaraki
• E9Hayama: Bringing Seafood Back
• E10Iga: Creating New Out of Old
• E11For the Love of Akigawa's Sweetfish
• E12First Bites, Big Smiles
• E13The Wasabi Brothers: Finding the Spice of Life