As the year draws to a close, one finds a pause between what has been and what lies ahead — a time for reflection on achievements, challenges, growth, and gratitude. In this spirit, GastroSense’s annual “Christmas with a Cause” initiative continues, featuring a creative collaboration between two chefs known for their artistry both in and out of the kitchen: Kenjiro “Hatch” Hashida of Hashida Singapore and Hashida Tokyo, and Rishi Naleendra, the chef-owner behind 2-Michelin starred Cloudstreet, Sri Lankan restaurant Kotuwa, and FOOL Wine Bar.

The project, titled “Tomorrow”, is centred on mental health awareness and the theme of resilience and hope. Chef Hatch and Chef Rishi have joined hands to create an art piece that symbolises the fluidity of life, the duality of darkness and light, and the enduring human spirit. The chefs, both deeply passionate about giving back, wanted their artwork to highlight the importance of mental health.

The art piece has been reproduced on t-shirts, tote bags and stickers in limited quantities, with all net sales proceeds benefiting local non-profit organisation The Tapestry Project.

深海に住むクラゲは空の広さは知らないかもしれないが、
太陽の光が藻を避けて海に刺す時
光がどこから来たのか
なぜ、照らして来るのか？

深く心の中にあなたがいる
時間は止まったまま僕らはまだそこにいる
現実が夢なのか？夢の中で鏡に語らう
現実を受け入れられないのか？それでも
あさ光はちゃんと僕を刺してくれる
明日の方向もきっと
いくら海の深いところに
行ってしまっても、たとえ空に溺れても

クラゲはきっと空の飛び方を知っている
ヒツジは海に潜ることが出来る
置いてきぼりの猫は忘れるふりが上手いが
クジラの知らせる時間は少し狂っている
Hello tomorrow
また夢の中 夢の中に深く深く

Jellyfish living in the deep sea may not know the vastness of the sky,
But when sunlight that avoids seaweed pierces the sea
They wonder where the light comes from
Why does it shine?

Deep in my heart you are there
Even when time has stopped we remain
Is reality a dream? Talking to a mirror in the dream
Can I not accept reality? Nevertheless
Morning light spears into me 
And tomorrow sets its course
No matter how deep in the sea 
I go, even if I drown in the sky

Jellyfish surely know how to fly in the sky
Sheep can dive into the ocean
The cat's that left behind is good at pretending to forget
The time the whale tells is a little off
Hello tomorrow
In a dream again, deep, deep in a dream

The creative process began with a poem penned by Chef Hatch, a poignant reflection on life’s uncertainties, the inevitable passage of time, and the powerfully consuming nature of hopes and dreams. Surrealistic imagery of deep-sea jellyfish learning to fly, and sheep diving into the ocean — charting unlikely journeys between darkness and light — accompany existential questions about the thin veils between dreams and reality. The poem explores the vicissitudes of life, and conveys the message that even in moments of doubt or despair, one can always find connection and continuity.

“I wanted to express that everyone shares the same human experience. We’re all connected by time. The same number of hours make up a day no matter where you are in the world. And because we’re all connected, whether we’re active presences, memories, or strangers in each other’s lives, we should always keep one another in our hearts.” Hatch then gave visual form to the poem by digitally illustrating a jellyfish with long, flowing tentacles, backlit by the sun’s rays.

THE ARTWORK

Building on Hatch’s vision, Chef Rishi drew from his Sri Lankan roots to add layers of symbolism. Particularly inspired by Hatch’s expression of fluidity, he modelled the traditional art form of “Liyawel”, ornamental carvings or paintings of vine-like flora often seen in temples. He illustrates ribboning stems, incipient blossoms, and curling leaves that symbolise life’s endless cycle. In the same intricate ink, he adds the mythical two-headed “Bherunda”, the bird symbolising the union of the divine masculine and feminine, and the unity of material and spiritual realms — an emblem of wisdom, fortitude, and prosperity. “There is a beautiful symmetry between the jellyfish and the Liyawel art form, both representing life’s continuity and fluidity. The Bherunda, known for its strength and resilience, adds a narrative of hope and renewal,” Rishi explains.

This collaboration not only reflects the artistic passions of the two chefs but also serves as a call to action for greater mental health awareness, particularly in a year that has seen many challenges in the F&B industry. But as Rishi notes, “Mental health challenges don’t always arise from difficult days; even in good times, it’s vital to check in on ourselves and our teams.”

The Tapestry Project is a non-profit organisation that harnesses the power of storytelling to spark conversations about mental health; to foster awareness, literacy, and social inclusion. With initiatives like their flagship Re:Story programme, which promotes journaling as a tool for individuals to process and share their experiences, The Tapestry Project empowers individuals to build connections and new perspectives through narrative expression. Mirroring The Tapestry Project’s focus on the intersections of identity, language, and mental health, “Tomorrow” builds on a cathartic poem written by Chef Hatch, highlighting the power of the written word in navigating life’s challenges and finding hope.

GastroSense is honoured to connect this collaborative effort with The Tapestry Project, supporting their community-driven mental health advocacy work. Beyond a gifting tradition, this year’s project is a reminder of the shared human experience and how there will always be hope for tomorrow.