# Feasting under Feudalism: Japanese Edo Era
## Objective
By the end of this lesson, students will understand the culinary practices of Japan's Edo period, recognize the influence of the feudal system on food accessibility, and gain hands-on experience by attempting to prepare a simple sushi roll or rice ball.
## Materials Required
- Visual aids depicting Edo period Japan (images of feudal lords, samurai, farmers)
- A map of Edo period Japan
- Ingredients for sushi rolls: sushi rice, nori sheets, cucumber, avocado, and imitation crab
- Ingredients for rice balls: sushi rice, furikake seasoning, small seaweed strips
- Bowls, spoons, bamboo rolling mats, clean cloths
- Hand sanitizer
- Notebooks and pencils for students
- A whiteboard and markers
## Introduction and Explanation (10 minutes)
### Teacher Dialogue
"Good morning, students! Today, we will journey back in time to explore a fascinating era in Japanese history called the Edo period. Imagine living in a world ruled by powerful feudal lords known as Daimyo, and where the famous samurai warriors roamed. During this time, Japan was largely peaceful and saw significant growth in culture and the arts. But what did people eat during this period, and how did the feudal system affect access to food? Today, we will not only learn about the rich culinary traditions of the Edo era but also try making our own simple sushi rolls or rice balls, two popular foods from that time. Let’s start by looking at a map of Edo Japan and see where these lords and samurai lived."
(Show students the map, highlighting areas of significance like Edo (modern-day Tokyo), and areas known for rice production.)
## Setting Up and Starting the Activity (10 minutes)
### Teacher Instructions
"Now that we’ve set the scene, let's prepare for our feasting adventure. I’ll need everyone to gather around and make sure we have clean hands. Please line up to apply hand sanitizer provided at the front. Once done, we'll split into small groups. Each group will receive a set of materials needed to prepare our culinary creations."
1. **Sanitation**: "Ensure hands are clean. As food historians, we value cleanliness and respect for our ingredients."
2. **Group Formation**: "Form groups of 4-5 students. These are your 'kitchen teams' for today. Each team will have a station equipped with everything you need."
3. **Material Distribution**: "Collect a bowl of sushi rice, nori sheets, and an assortments of fillings for sushi rolls, or rice and furikake for rice balls."
"Great! Now that we're all set, let's dive into the main activity!"
## Main Activity (20 minutes)
### Step 1: Understanding Ingredients (Overview)
"In this step, we'll learn about the key ingredients used during the Edo period. Rice was abundant in many regions, while seafood was a staple due to Japan’s coastal geography."
#### Teacher Says
"Rice was critical in the Edo period, especially as it was often used to pay taxes! Imagine paying your teacher with bags of rice. Fish and seaweed came from the bountiful seas surrounding Japan. Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient.”
- Show the sushi rice: “This is sushi rice, a staple in Japanese food. In the Edo era, preserving fish with rice started the tradition of sushi.”
- Introduce the fillings: “We have cucumbers, which add crunchiness, and avocados for creaminess. Imitation crab gives taste without worrying about raw fish.”
### Step 2: Making the Sushi Rolls (Overview)
"We'll begin assembling our sushi rolls, a practical way to experience the Edo era."
#### Teacher Says
"Now, it's time to get creative with sushi rolls. First, place the nori seaweed on the bamboo mat's shiny side down. Wet your hands slightly to handle the rice better. Take a small amount of rice and spread it evenly across the nori, leaving a small margin at the top.”
1. “Add your fillings. Place cucumber, avocado, and imitation crab along one edge.”
2. “Now, carefully roll the sushi using the bamboo mat. Apply gentle pressure to ensure it holds together.”
### Step 3: Making the Rice Balls (Overview)
“Next, we'll make rice balls, a popular and simple food item.”
#### Teacher Says
"For rice balls, take a scoop of rice and press it into your palm. Sprinkle furikake seasoning for flavor. Shape the rice into a ball. Feel how it sticks together? This is how people carried energy-packed snacks in Edo Japan.”
1. “As you're shaping, imagine yourself as a hardworking farmer needing quick nourishment.”
2. “Wrap a strip of seaweed around the base. This adds not only flavor but also kept fingers clean!”
## Wrapping Up and Review (20 minutes)
### Conclusion and Reflection
"Fantastic work, everyone! You’ve created beautiful sushi rolls and rice balls, much like those that might have been seen in the bustling Edo markets."
#### Teacher Says
"Let’s gather in a circle to share our experiences. What did you enjoy the most about making your food? Can anyone guess why certain classes in feudal Japan had better access to these delightful treats? Right, remember how we talked about the Daimyos earlier? They had more access to such feasts compared to farmers. This highlights the influence of class and role in the feudal system on the types of foods people could enjoy."
- “How did it feel using your hands for cooking?”
- “What will you tell your family about this experience?”
### Review
"Lastly, let’s capture what we’ve learned today. Write in your notebooks one interesting fact about Edo era food and one thing you enjoyed about our cooking activity."
- Collect reflections: "Would anyone like to share what they learned or what surprised them?"
- “Remember, food tells tales of history, culture and survival. Next time you eat rice, think about the journey it traveled from the Edo farms to your plate."
Thank you for participating with such enthusiasm today! Now, enjoy your creations, just as people of the Edo period once did.