News On Japan

Unpacking Japan's Lavish School Lunch

TOKYO, Apr 26 (News On Japan) - Japan's Cabinet Office's Government Public Relations Office recently stirred controversy with a social media post showcasing an overly lavish depiction of school lunches, leading to a public outcry over the authenticity of the meals presented.

The post, titled "Which school lunch do you remember?", intended to illustrate the evolution of school lunches from the Meiji era to the present.

The uproar centered around an image purporting to represent the school lunches of the Heisei and Reiwa eras, featuring a colorful donburi with two spring rolls, a vegetable soup, a tomato salad, and even a fruit jelly dessert. This depiction starkly contrasted with the real school lunches shared by parents, which typically consist of simpler meals like fried food, vegetable soup, and rice.

Social media users responded by posting photos of actual school lunches, often comprising just three items: a single piece of fried food, vegetable soup, and white rice, highlighting the discrepancy in meal presentation. These real meals showed less variety and smaller portions compared to the government's depiction, prompting frustration among parents.

Parents from across the nation shared their children's experiences, noting instances where the children reported inadequate food portions, which starkly contrasted with the government's portrayal. One parent noted, "When I ask my child about lunch, especially on days with small items like three tiny fried chickens or a single dumpling, they often say they were still hungry and felt sad."

Experts, including registered dietitian Akiko Kaneko, commented on the situation, pointing out that regional disparities in school lunches are a significant issue that needs addressing. Kaneko suggested that aligning closer to government standards could help mitigate these inequalities.

The Cabinet Office acknowledged the public's concerns, stating they are aware of the varied opinions and are considering the feedback. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining consistency and transparency in school nutrition programs across different regions.

Source: FNN

POPULAR NEWS

or as long as Shohei Ohtani plays for the Dodgers -- which will be at least for the next decade -- May 17 will be known as “Shohei Ohtani Day” in Los Angeles County. (MLB)

Two residents of Sapporo who died earlier this month likely succumbed to food poisoning caused by mistakenly consuming toxic autumn crocus, according to the Sapporo City Health Department. The department confirmed on May 17 that the deaths were indeed due to poisoning from this plant.

A revised Civil Code introducing 'joint custody' for children after divorce has been passed by the Diet. This marks the first time in 77 years that Japan has reviewed the approach to post-divorce custody.

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested three leaders of the political group 'Tsubasa Party' on suspicion of violating the Public Offices Election Act by disrupting the speeches of other candidates during a House of Representatives by-election in Tokyo's 15th district. Investigators view this as a "challenge to democracy" and plan to pursue a thorough investigation.

An event allowing visitors to experience life in 2050 has launched in Tokyo, including an elevator which enables transportation to space via a cable extending from a satellite to Earth.

FOLLOW US
         

MORE Food NEWS

Have you ever experienced the sudden disappearance of your local sushi shop? Amid the success of major conveyor belt sushi chains, 'neighborhood sushi shops' are now facing an existential crisis.

Japanese workers are tightening their belts when it comes to expenditure on weekday lunches, as more people become conscious of saving money due to rising prices.

Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has issued a warning about the dangers of consuming alcohol and energy drinks together.

Today, as a seasoned food content creator and influencer, Stephanie from Australia is ready to be your guide through the bustling streets of Tokyo and beyond. In this new series, with her insider knowledge and knack for uncovering hidden gems, she'll show you how to savor Japanese cuisine, even if you're still mastering the language. (Japan by Food)

Japan's beloved soul food, udon, is experiencing a new wave of innovation. In the fiercely competitive "udon battleground" of Tokyo, where renowned eateries from across Japan converge, a fresh movement is reshaping the traditional noodle scene. New udon creations are being churned out as part of a spirited battle for survival among these establishments.

A scandal involving the mislabeling of the brand crab "Maizuru Crab" was uncovered last month in a small port town in Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture, a deception has been carried out systematically for many years.

Tuna sandwiches, tuna onigiri, and even tuna pasta are popular dishes, but what should be done with the juice inside tuna cans? Some people discard it, while others use it in cooking. The question arises, what's the manufacturer's recommendation?

From May 17 to 19, 2024, Tokyo's culinary landscape will come alive at the "Tokyo Tokyo Delicious Museum," a gastronomy event that promises a feast for the senses. Set in the picturesque Symbol Promenade Park in Ariake, Tokyo, the festival will gather some of Tokyo's most beloved eateries for a three-day extravaganza of food, fun, and festivity.