Housing Complex Cafeteria 'Yamawake Kitchen' and Tezukayama Gakuin University Collaborate to Host 'High Protein Japanese Bento' Tasting for Frailty Prevention

The Osaka Prefectural Housing Corporation (SMALIO), providing rental housing in Osaka Prefecture, is collaborating with Tezukayama Gakuin University (Sakai City) and 'Yamawake Kitchen' (an NPO-run side dish shop) to host a tasting session for the 'High Protein Japanese Bento to Support Future Vitality' and a health lecture titled 'Body-Friendly Meals' on May 1, 2026 (Friday) at the Chayamadai Housing Complex Building 19 Assembly Hall. This initiative aims to support the health of local residents through education and food. The bento provided is designed to be high-protein and low-carb (Locabo), expected to prevent physical decline in the elderly, and considers those with diabetes or dietary restrictions.

### 3rd Health Bento Tasting in Collaboration with University 'Yamawake Kitchen,' operating since 2018 in a converted unit of Chayamadai Housing Complex, provides healthy meals to residents daily. Since 2024, they have partnered with Professor Yukio Minamino of the Department of Health and Nutrition at Tezukayama Gakuin University—who has experience supervising NHK morning dramas—to host tastings of 'Yukio-meshi' (Yukio's Meals). This third event will offer a 'High Protein Japanese Bento' that maintains low-carb characteristics while ensuring high protein intake.

Simultaneously, Prof. Minamino will deliver a lecture on 'Body-Friendly Meals.' By leveraging the university's expertise, the project aims to encourage changes in food awareness and behavior, leading to improved lifestyle habits and supporting regional health from both knowledge and nutritional perspectives. Since 2020, the Housing Corporation has maintained a comprehensive partnership with Tezukayama Gakuin University and Seichokai Medical Corporation, providing a 'Community Health Room' as a base for residents to discuss health concerns.

### Preventing Frailty at the Complex Cafeteria As people age, physical decline such as frailty (the stage between health and needing care) and sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass/strength) becomes a challenge. Prevention requires both exercise and proper nutrition. The concept for this bento is 'Eating well without overexertion.' The main dish features ginger-fried pork loin and boiled eggs, while side dishes include spinach with tofu skin and simmered vegetables, providing rich protein and dietary fiber.

**Prof. Yukio Minamino (Tezukayama Gakuin University):** A registered dietitian and diabetes educator. He provided script guidance and supervision for the dietitian scenes in the NHK morning drama 'Omusubi.' 'For 32 years at Suita Municipal Hospital, I supported patients as a dietitian. Based on the philosophy that medicine and food share the same origin, I aim to prevent and improve diseases through meals, providing guidance tailored to individual lifestyles.'

### Event Overview - **Date:** May 1, 2026 (Friday) 12:00 - 13:00 - **Location:** Chayamadai Housing Complex, Building 19 Assembly Hall (Chayamadai Library) - **Address:** 2-1 Chayamadai, Minami-ku, Sakai City, Osaka - **Registration:** Web reservations accepted until April 30, 2026.