Elder care
Japanese-American elder care
For Activity Directors and Memory Care Coordinators seeking heritage, dignity, and sensory memory engagement.
Waku Paku for institutions
Bring 1,000 years of Japanese craft tradition to your community.
Hands-on wagashi workshops for Japanese-American elder care, language schools, cultural centers, libraries, corporate teams, hotels, wellness retreats, and international schools. One simple program package: nerikiri kits, printed instructions, and a how-to video.
Trusted by Japanese-American community organizations, public libraries, and cultural institutions across North America.
The 8 segments
Designed for the institutions that bring Japanese culture to North America.
Each program is shaped around the vocabulary, audience, and constraints of your setting.
Schools
Japanese language schools
For school directors and teachers who need cultural enrichment beyond textbooks.
Culture
Cultural centers
Fresh, photogenic programming for younger audiences, member events, festivals, and fundraisers.
Libraries
Public libraries
Accessible, multi-generational AAPI Heritage Month and DEI cultural programming.
Corporate
Japanese companies
Team-building that connects Japanese HQ culture with US-based employees.
Hospitality
Premium hotels
F&B, spa, afternoon tea, and guest experience differentiation for Phase 2 programs.
Wellness
Retreat facilities
Mindfulness-aligned workshops for yoga retreats, studios, spas, and wellness weekends.
K-8
International & IB schools
Curriculum-aligned cultural inquiry with educator support materials.
What we provide
One program package. Three simple components.
Nerikiri Kit
Ready-to-use wagashi materials for a hands-on Japanese edible art experience.
Printed Instructions
A simple paper guide that helps organizers and guests follow the flow at the table.
How-to Video
A short video that shows the basic shaping process before the experience begins.
Inclusive by design
Designed for many kinds of communities.
Approved for diverse community programming where food restrictions, accessibility, and age range matter.
Plant-based & vegan
No dairy, eggs, or honey in the kit ingredients.
Allergen-friendly
Naturally gluten-free and nut-free. Built for public programming.
Age-inclusive
Suitable for ages 2 to 99, with guide variations by age and setting.
Program examples
What partners can build with Waku Paku.
Examples are shown as planning models until live partner case studies are published.
Program example
"Memory care residents reconnect through touch, color, and seasonal Japanese motifs."
Japanese-American elder care · Monthly activity model
Program example
"AAPI Heritage Month sessions become waitlisted, multi-generational cultural programming."
Public libraries · 3-session branch model
Program example
"Students taste the culture they are learning, then present their creations to parents."
Japanese language schools · Semester capstone model
Process
How working with us works.
A clear path from inquiry to program day.
01
Discovery call
Tell us about your audience and goals. We'll recommend the best format.
02
Custom proposal
Program scope, timeline, customization options, and procurement details within 48 hours.
03
Delivery & setup
Materials ship, facilitator briefing happens, and logistics are coordinated.
04
Program support
Day-of support, post-program survey, and ongoing partnership options.
Lead capture
Tell us about your program.
We'll respond within 24 hours with information tailored to your institution.
Questions from planners
Practical answers for institutions.
Can we discuss the format before deciding?
Yes. Tell us your setting and goals, and we will suggest the most natural way to introduce Waku Paku.
Can you ship to our location?
Yes: US, Canada, UK, Australia, Singapore. Other regions can inquire.
Do you provide invoicing or POs?
Yes. NET-30 terms are available for qualified institutions.
Can a non-Japanese-speaking facilitator run this?
Yes. English guides and facilitator training make the program accessible.
Do schools receive educator support material?
Yes. Lesson plan templates, objectives, and age-specific guides are available.