OSAKA -- It was love at first bite when Hisaji Taketomo discovered the joy of European cheese more than 20 years ago.
But the 42-year-old Osaka native's delight was tempered by the fact that the Kansai region lacked an institution capable of educating people on the taste and production of cheese.
He is about to cure his discontent and resolve the issue by launching an institution himself. Ecole Fromagee Kansai will open later this month at Umeda in Osaka's Kita Ward. The school will offer a course of 12 lessons -- each lasting 90 minutes -- twice monthly through September on a regular basis. Topics will cover the full spectrum of the cheese industry -- from microbiology to marketing.