The impetus for this initiative was the development of "Beni Umemi", a yokan "JOSAI Collagen Yokan" for athletes devised by the Department of Medical Nutrition.We received a proposal from Yamaguchi Farm in Ogose Town, who provided the plums, to continue working on local production for local consumption.

　At Yamaguchi Farm, we renovated the building that was used as a breeding place for silk moths 75 years ago, saying "I want to make it a place where people can connect with plums", and in May 2021, opened "Umerin caffe" on the premises. ..The menu is dishes and sweets using harvested plums.The chef changes every day of the week, and the menu is devised by the chef in charge of that day.Then, Mr. Yamaguchi, the owner of the shop, proposed to develop a menu by students, and when Assistant Professor Yoshifumi Kimira of the Department of Medical Nutrition called out, seven members of the department raised their hands.

　The one-day cafe where the students serve as daily chefs is named "Smile up cafe".It took about a month to devise the first menu development in a situation where it was difficult to gather, but on December 1, 2021, it was held for the first time.The lunch menu is limited to one type, and panna cotta using plums is prepared for dessert.The teacher also rushed to help on the day and sold out more than 12 meals.

　At the next one-day cafe to be held on March 3, we plan to increase the lunch menu to two types to please our customers.The students who participated feel that it is worthwhile, saying, "There are many things that are difficult, but it is even more fun."

　In the future, the Department of Medical Nutrition will promote the development of menus based on collagen, medicinal foods, etc., and plan and operate the "Students' Umerin Cafe" once every two to three months, albeit irregularly. ..

Reference: [Josai University] Planning to operate a cafe in a shared kitchen [Department of Medical and Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences]