The Art of Koji Discover Japanese Fermentation

The Art of Koji
Discover Japanese Fermentation
For Gut Health, Energy & Natural Beauty

Presented by Active ZEN
Led by Japanese Fermentation Expert Saki Yamaguchi

🌿 Do You Have Any of These Concerns?
✔ You want to eat healthier, but don't know where to start.
✔ You want more energy throughout the day.
✔ You care about your health, but busy schedules often get in the way.
✔ On stressful days, convenience foods and takeout become the easiest option.
✔ You've tried different diets or health trends, but they never seem to last.
✔ You want a healthier lifestyle without strict rules or giving up the foods you enjoy.
If any of these sound familiar, this workshop may be for you.

What if better health started with one simple ingredient?
For centuries, Japanese families have used a traditional fermented food to create flavorful, nourishing meals at home.
That ingredient is called Koji.
In this beginner-friendly workshop, you'll discover the wisdom of Japanese fermentation and learn how Koji can become part of a healthier, more balanced daily routine.

💡 What You May Gain
While individual results vary, participants often join this workshop to:
✔ Support healthy digestion and gut health
✔ Create healthier everyday meals
✔ Discover Japanese food wisdom
✔ Build sustainable wellness habits
Many participants also report feeling:
✔ More inspired to cook at home
✔ More mindful about what they eat
✔ More connected to their daily habits

👥 Who Is This For?
✔ Anyone interested in gut health and nutrition
✔ People looking for healthier eating habits
✔ Those curious about Japanese culture
✔ Beginners interested in fermentation
No cooking experience required.

🍶 About the Experience
This is not a complicated cooking class.
It is a beginner-friendly experience that combines:
✔ Japanese cultural wisdom
✔ Fermentation education
✔ Hands-on learning
✔ Everyday wellness practices

During the session, you will:
✨ Make your own Shio-Koji
✨ Learn the basics of Japanese fermentation
✨ Discover simple ways to use Koji in everyday cooking

🌿 What You Will Make
Shio-Koji
A traditional Japanese fermented seasoning made from rice koji, salt, and water.
✔ Rich in natural umami
✔ Easy to use in everyday cooking
✔ Ready in 5–7 days

👩‍🍳 Instructor
Saki Yamaguchi
Gut Health Advocate | Japanese Cooking & Fermentation Expert
✔ 20+ years in the food industry
✔ 10+ years teaching experience
✔ Certified fermentation specialist
✔ Taught over 1,000 students
Her philosophy:
"Food is life."
She believes simple food choices can support long-term health, balance, and well-being.

🌸 Event Details
📅 June 28, 2026 (Sunday)
🕒 5:00–6:00 PM PST
🕒 8:00–9:00 PM EST
📍 Online via Zoom
✔ Beginner-friendly
✔ Conducted in Japanese
✔ Available in English, Spanish, and other languages through real-time AI translation

🍵 Workshop Flow
① Welcome & Introduction
② The Story of Japanese Fermentation
③ What Is Koji?
④ Hands-On Shio-Koji Making
⑤ Everyday Uses & Simple Recipes
⑥ Q&A

🥣 Tools Needed
✔ Rice Koji (150g)
✔ Salt (50g)
✔ Water (240g)
✔ Mixing bowl
✔ Storage container
✔ Alcohol spray
Shopping recommendations will be provided after registration.

✔ Before the Workshop
Please prepare all ingredients and tools before the session.
This will help you fully enjoy the hands-on experience.

🎟 Reserve Your Spot
Seats are limited.
✔ Beginner-friendly
✔ Solo participants welcome
✔ Supportive and interactive environment
Join us and discover how one simple Japanese ingredient can become part of a healthier, more mindful lifestyle.

🌿 About Active ZEN
Active ZEN brings traditional Japanese wisdom into modern life through tea ceremony, fermentation, and other mindful cultural experiences.

👩 About the Organizer
Kaori Ota
Founder of Active ZEN
Former international flight attendant with ANA (All Nippon Airways).
Having traveled to over 50 countries, she now creates Japanese cultural experiences that help people around the world connect with Japanese wisdom, culture, and well-being.

💬 Notice
Photos and videos may be taken during the event and shared on our website or social media at a later date.
If you prefer not to appear in any photos or videos, please inform the organizer in advance.

Please kindly note that cancellations should be made via Meetup at least 3 days before the event.
Cancellations made 48+ hours before the event: full refund
Cancellations within 48 hours: non-refundable
No-shows: non-refundable
If the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer, a full refund will be issued or a new date will be offered.

A recording of the session will be provided for 7 days as an optional courtesy for participants who are unable to attend.
Refund requests must be submitted via Meetup messaging prior to the event start time.