A message from Mami-okusama From March to early May, we enter what is known as the “in-between season”—the period between harvests in Japan. During this time, the previous season’s crops have already been harvested, while the next season’s crops have not yet fully matured, making fresh produce relatively scarce. In the natural growing cycle, winter root vegetables such as daikon radish and burdock root have already passed their harvest season, while summer vegetables such as cucumbers and pumpkins have not yet reached theirs. But nowadays, if you go to the supermarket, you can find all kinds of vegetables year-round. While this convenience has made our lives easier, perhaps we are gradually forgetting the importance of seasonal foods and the natural order. I feel there is profound meaning in eating foods when they are truly in season. Seasonal foods are at their very best during their proper season, and I believe God has provided them to nourish our bodies naturally. Winter root vegetables warm our bodies when they are cold, while summer vegetables gently cool our bodies when they have become overheated. It feels as though nature itself is gently sustaining us. When I reflect on God’s will in this, I am filled with feelings beyond words. I cannot help but feel that something is not quite right about using unnatural, out-of-season ingredients simply to make a bento look more colorful. For example, using summer vegetables like cherry tomatoes outside of their season solely for the sake of adding color. I believe that even the colors of a dish should naturally come from the ingredients that are available in that season. It may indeed be easy to make a so-called Instagram-worthy bento by using animal-based foods such as eggs and meat. A yellow rolled omelet catches the eye, and vivid pink ham may make a bento appear more visually striking. However, I see limitless potential in practicing and spreading the Christian Vegan Diet based on Masaaki-sama’s revolutionary message: “Christ Jesus was the last and ultimate sacrifice—so it is no longer necessary to eat a diet that comes with the suffering of animals.” In fact, I believe this is the true way of eating that humanity should strive to follow. I want to continue challenging myself to create the ultimate vegan deco ben, vegan kyaraben, and vegan dishes. In this challenge, I feel that there is God’s profound guidance—something that goes beyond mere cooking. Though this in-between season is when agricultural produce is at its scarcest throughout the year, I believe that God is always granting us limitless blessings. I believe that blessings of nature passed down from long ago, such as dried seaweed and dried vegetables, are also wisdom for living that God has taught us to make use of during times like this. Rather than thinking that there is nothing to eat because it is the in-between season, perhaps what matters is how we spend this season—planning our meals for the year with wild greens, dried foods, and preserved foods as things to look forward to. I am convinced that this, too, is one of the joys of the in-between season that God has given us. Now is the time to shift to the true way of eating—one that involves no sacrifice of animals! Could there be a life more joyful and fulfilling than this? I offer my deepest respect and gratitude to Masaaki-sama, who so powerfully reveals and guides us along the path of salvation through food, through the practice of Christian Vegan Diet. ――――――――――――――――――――― Witnessing Mami-okusama’s wholehearted devotion to food fills us with a sense of humble respect. Let us also learn from and follow her example—not only in her careful choice of ingredients, but also in the thoughtful consideration she gives to every aspect of cooking from her choice of cooking utensils, exemplified by the clay pot, to her selection of seasonings and cooking methods; from the creative design of her rice-centered bentos to the care she takes in ensuring the salt content is just right for her children’s health. For those of us walking the path of Christian Veganism established and advocated by Masaaki-sama, Mami-okusama’s recipes are a lighthouse.Let us follow in her footsteps, so that we too may one day behold the vision she sees.✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨Mami-okusama’s vegan bento—the ultimate handmade bento, rooted in prayer and Japan’s climate and terrain. 🌿 100% pure vegan—made without any animal-derived ingredientsCompletely free of meat, seafood, eggs, dairy, and even honey.A bento filled with kindness, expressing respect for all life. ❄ Zero store-bought frozen foods/prepared dishes🤲 Everything is handmadeFocusing not on convenience, but on genuine flavor.Each item is carefully prepared to bring out the natural taste of the ingredients.A bento filled with the warmth and love of home. 🚫 No added sugars of any kind—including white sugar or artificial sweetenersBringing out the natural sweetness of the ingredients, for a pure, clean flavor.We value the natural sweetness that is gentle on both body and mind. ✨ Completely free of additivesThe beauty of nature itself, without relying on preservatives, artificial colors, or artificial seasonings.We are committed to purity—this is the food we eat every day. 🌱 Uses Christ Farming produce whenever possibleChrist Farming as established and advocated by Masaaki-sama, originator of Christian Veganism.Through the Holy Spirit that descended on the day of Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus, all creation was renewed.Reliance on pesticides, fertilizers or animal-derived materials are no longer needed—the soil itself will grow crops.We believe in Jesus, whose presence is alive in the soil and nature. 🍚 Uses rice cooked in a clay potEvery morning, in the early hours, the rice is 30%. In every single grain of rice dwells Mami-okusama’s faith.Cooked to a soft, fluffy texture with the power of earth and fire, the rice has an exceptional aroma, natural sweetness, and vitality. 🇯🇵 Meals rooted in the seasons, climate and terrain of JapanBuilt around seasonal vegetables, seaweed, and traditional ingredients.A distinctly Japanese vegan bento that embraces the spirit of shindo-fuji (the principle that the body and land are inseparable, that seasonal and local eating rooted in the climate and terrain of where one lives is the most beneficial for health and well-being). ✝ A meal rooted in the belief that Christ Jesus was the last and ultimate sacrificeBased on the principle established and advocated by her husband, Masaaki-sama: “Christ Jesus was the last and ultimate sacrifice—so it is no longer necessary to eat a diet that comes with the suffering of animals.”A Christian Vegan bento made with Jesus in mind.The entire bento is filled with true peace. 💐 More than just a meal: a bento that reflects a way of lifeKeeping Jesus in mind, honoring nature, caring for the body, and giving thanks for life—this is a special bento box filled with Mami-okusama’s love and devotion. 《Here are the bento contents provided by Mami-okusama 👇》 *30% polished rice cooked in a clay pot (250g) 🍚・SnoopyHis facial features are made with black sesame seeds and nori, while his cheeks are made with homemade pickled plums matured for three years. He is holding a heart made from homemade pickled ginger. ・Charlie BrownThe rice is mixed with homemade mentsuyu (noodle dipping sauce) to give it a light brown tint. His facial features and hair are created with nori, while his cheeks are made from pickled plums matured for three years. He is holding a heart made of homemade pickled red ginger. ・Sesame wakame riceShaped into small bite-sized balls for easy eating and arranged along the edge of the bento. *Miso soupIn addition to seasonal vegetables and wild greens, I always include seaweed as well. *Cabbage and funori (a traditional Japanese red seaweed) okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake)Flavored with kombu broth and finished with a touch of soy sauce.The fragrant aonori (green nori flakes) sprinkled on top makes this an irresistible dish that goes wonderfully with rice! ＊Wakame and harusame glass noodles dressed with sesame ponzuMade with wild wakame (the lower part of the seaweed, known for its crunchy texture) given to us as an offering by a member. Thank you very much.The crunchy texture and refreshing flavor linger pleasantly. Simmered hijiki and bamboo shootsA dish we previously shared with everyone. A favorite among the children.Finished with freshly toasted sesame seeds. Other detailsFinished with a heart made of homemade pickled red ginger.