Report on "My First French 2026" for Children: A Special Event to "Eat, Learn, and Think" at Anniversaire Minato Mirai Yokohama

Anniversaire Inc., which develops various anniversary production businesses centered on guesthouse weddings, held the children-centric French experience event 'My First French 2026' at Anniversaire Minato Mirai Yokohama on May 5th (Tue, Holiday). First held in 2023 as an ESG initiative and now in its fourth consecutive year, the event welcomed 20 families totaling 69 people. Children aged 4 to 9 enjoyed an authentic course meal while participating in a table manners lecture, special content themed on 'Antarctica' unique to this year, and chef/pâtissier experiences. The event was highly praised, with a 100% satisfaction rate in participant surveys, and many commented that it became a new family anniversary through an opportunity not usually available. We will continue to strive towards Anniversaire's vision of 'becoming an anniversary production company that stays by our customers' side throughout their lives, continuously providing moving experiences.'

'Anniversaire Minato Mirai Yokohama' HP

Experience the Charm of Antarctica! Special Lecture by 'Antarctic Chef'

This time, Anniversaire chef Taka Taga, who served as a cooking team member for the 'Antarctic Research Expedition' for about a year and three months and just returned to Japan at the end of February, took the stage. Along with introducing life in the polar region, he prepared special content allowing attendees to experience 'Antarctic ice' he actually brought back to Japan up close. Listening to the sound of ice, with air from tens of thousands of years ago trapped inside, as it melted, became a valuable experience that stimulated the children's curiosity.

Aiming to be a 'French Master' as a Family

The children, transformed into kid chefs wearing original chef hats, learned authentic French manners, including proper etiquette for enjoying French cuisine and how to use napkins and cutlery. The cooking demonstration by the chef and pâtissier in the open kitchen, which was very popular last year, was held again this year. They enjoyed the sounds and smells of the food being prepared right before their eyes and observed professional skills up close. Furthermore, they experienced saucing the meat dish, serving at each table, and decorating cakes according to their families' requests, covering the entire process of making, carrying, and eating. This provided a time that led to 'food education and career development,' deepening the children's understanding of the importance of food and their interest in professions while having fun. At the end of the event, the children interacted directly with the chefs and pâtissiers, handing over a request sheet with the menu they want to eat next time, and were awarded an original 'French Master' certificate as proof of their hard work.

Event Report

'Quiz on Ingredients and Cooking Utensils'… Families challenged it together while conversing!
'Original Drink'… Mix your favorite syrup and juice, top with your favorite garnish, and it's done!
'French Course Meal Experience'… First French experience with the same glasses and cutlery as adults!
'Demonstration by Professionals'… A performance in front of them using the open kitchen!
'Chef Experience'… Wearing a chef coat, they finished the freshly cooked meat dish by saucing it!
'Pâtissier Experience'… Decorating cakes and ice cream to fulfill their family's requests!
'Original French Manners Certificate'… The child requested the next menu, and received a certificate in return!

Customer Feedback

Here are some excerpts from the surveys of those who participated on the day.

'Every time I visit, whether for our wedding or at the anniversary restaurant, I remember that time and am moved by the delicious and wonderful hospitality.'
'She gave me a cake she decorated, saying, 'I made this with my love for you, Mommy!' I was so happy.'
'The chefs and pâtissiers performed right in front of us, so my child really got into it and was engrossed in enjoying the saucing and dessert making.'
'I've taught him how to use a knife and fork before, but I was impressed at how well he used them today. It was an opportunity to feel my child's growth, and I'm very happy.'

About Anniversaire Inc.

Based on the concept 'Happiness becomes an anniversary when it is celebrated,' Anniversaire helps turn customers' moments of happiness into the best anniversaries of their lives. We were the first in Japan to adopt the 'guesthouse' model and operate wedding venues nationwide, including our Omotesando location, a hub of the latest trends, and our Minato Mirai Yokohama location, one of the largest wedding facilities in Japan. Anniversaire means 'anniversary' in French, and we offer products and services centered on anniversaries, not just weddings, but also proposals, cafes, and restaurants.

Click here for a list of Anniversaire's venues https://www.anniversaire.co.jp/halls/