Hello! My name is Shoken, and I’m originally from Fukui, Japan, close to the cultural hubs of Kyoto and Osaka. I’ve worked mainly as a chef for many years, but I’m also a photographer and videographer, with a deep passion for Japanese cuisine and other world foods.

The purpose of my travels is to learn about authentic home-cooked dishes from around the world, with a focus on fermentation techniques. I aspire to become a culinary expert in fermented foods and believe that understanding local home-cooking traditions and their origins will add depth to my work. I’m fascinated by the question of why certain foods developed in specific regions—like sushi in Japan, pasta in Italy, or dumplings in China—and how culture, religion, and lifestyle shape these culinary identities. I hope to share these experiences and gain a broader perspective on the universal connections found through food.

My hobbies include cooking, of course, but I also enjoy photography with my DSLR, reading, and staying active. Growing up, I was passionate about baseball and achieved a lot through the sport. I also find joy in spending time in nature—whether by waterfalls, rice fields, mountains, or the sea—and prefer the sounds of nature over the bustle of city life.

One of my favorite experiences has been noticing the cultural and environmental differences in food practices across various countries. For example, working as a chef in Japan and Australia, I discovered that while the core techniques may be similar, the context and resources make a huge difference. I’m excited by the unique way food and daily life intersect in each culture.

For my hosts, I hope to not only learn about your culture but also see how food is prepared, when and how it’s enjoyed, and where ingredients are sourced locally. Immersing myself in these everyday details would be truly valuable to me.

As a chef, I would be delighted to cook for you, and if we have the ingredients, I can make some Japanese dishes to express my gratitude. I look forward to the chance to connect, share stories, and create memorable experiences together. Thank you for considering my request!

Also I have YouTube channel
If you want to know my personal
Please make sure it!!

Shoken_travel

Basically I’m glad to if let me take video for my YouTube in Couchsurfing
Cuz want to make memory and don’t forget sweet time.
If you don’t like it let me know.
Of course someone want me to mosaic,never take video
It’s ok I definitely protect rule no worries.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Meet up many people and share ours experience for good life each other and make friends

Interests

• cooking
• agriculture
• youtube
• photo
• nature
• lifestyle
• foods
• fermentation

Music, Movies, and Books

Hip hop R&B Jpop kpop

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One amazing thing I've done was working as a chef in both Japan and Australia, experiencing how culinary practices adapt to different environments and cultures. Despite cooking similar dishes, I found that the techniques, resources, and kitchen dynamics varied greatly across these places. This experience deepened my appreciation for how food brings people together and how it uniquely reflects each culture. It also sparked my journey to learn about traditional home-cooked meals worldwide, which is why I'm now exploring Asia to discover local fermentation techniques and cooking customs!

Teach, Learn, Share

Cooking Japanese food fermented food

What I Can Share with Hosts

Lovely time especially in dinner or lunch cuz my curious is have food,drink,cooking of product with talking for even more good time.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Nepal, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Japan