The cooking class was the only event where both members and non-members could participate under the same conditions.
It served as a good trial event before becoming a JAS member.
I think the participation fee, which covered the total cost of materials, insurance, and other expenses, was about 500 to 700 yen per person, divided by the number of participants.
However, at some point, the fee changed based on membership status.
Eventually, It turned out 1,000 yen for a member and 1,500 yen for a non-member.
Even so, this, the event gained media attention and was recommended by city hall.
As the event became more popular, not everyone who wanted to join could get a spot.
Consequently, participants were selected by lottery.
To make matters worse, children under 12 were no longer allowed to participate due to safety, instructions from the Iwakuni base.
The participation fee was raised, and kids under 12 were no longer allowed to attend the class. As a result, it lost its homely atmosphere. The venue was moved to the Lotus Cultural Center, which was much brighter and cleaner than the old one. However, it was located far from public transportation.
Before 2018
After 2018
After 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this event was canceled for almost a year. Now, it’s back, having once a month. However, the price has increased again: 1,500 yen for members, 2,000 yen for non-members, and it's limited to only 10 participants. (I heard that it is for the prevention of covid 19.)
In my opinion, all the events have become overly complicated and difficult to manage. Although the previous venue wasn't clean and often had issues with low power, it was conveniently located near the supermarket and public transportation. This made it easy for us to hold it and the cost was one-third compared to now.