Shokuiku
BBC Knowledge (Asia Edition)|September 2016

Apan’s unique food awareness programme.

Josmin Ong
Shokuiku

It is acknowledged worldwide that the Japanese are some of the healthiest people on the planet due to their cultural habits, geographic location and a universal healthcare system. As of 2014, Japan is listed as the country with the world’s second highest life expectancy at 84.74 years. To what can we attribute this? There are many factors that can affect one’s lifespan but a big part of it lies in healthy eating habits including an extensive knowledge of food nutrition.

Since 2005, the basic law of Shokuiku has been enforced to promote physical and mental health. Alongside this, is the nurturing of a well-rounded character which includes inculcating gratitude for food and understanding its importance. In recent years, there has been an even greater promotion of Shokuiku with a focus on the young generation. Some of the problems this age group faces include skipping of meals, obesity and the desire of thinness, to achieve the “ideal body type”. They say habits are best formed young and therefore, the mandatory elementary school lunch programme helps to establish this.

MINATO CITY SCHOOL LUNCH

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