Debate Over Allowing Furikake in School Lunches

HYOGO, Feb 22 (News On Japan) - A controversy has arisen over the practice of bringing furikake (a Japanese rice seasoning) to school lunches at a middle school in Hyogo Prefecture.

Many students leave rice uneaten... A request to "bring furikake" emerges

During lunchtime, students are seen sprinkling furikake on their white rice.

At a middle school in Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture, bringing furikake for school lunches has been allowed since the second term of last year.

Kawanishi City stated, "We started this practice in response to requests from students who wanted to bring furikake to their school lunches."

Since September of the year before last, when school lunches started in middle schools in Kawanishi City, many students have been leaving their rice uneaten.

As a result, the city solicited opinions from students on how to improve the situation, and the request to "bring furikake" emerged. The city agreed to allow it, with conditions such as limiting it to one individually packaged serving and prohibiting exchanges between students.

Some city council members question the decision: "Isn't this too hasty?"

However, some city council members have raised questions.

Kawanishi City Council Member Michi Kuroda said, "School lunches are managed with a thorough nutritional balance and hygiene, and precautions are taken to prevent accidents like food poisoning. The fact that food from home can be brought in so smoothly to this environment is a crisis and a threat to me."

The Director of Education Promotion in Kawanishi City responded, "We started this after thoroughly discussing safety and hygiene internally."

Kuroda further questioned, "But is furikake really the solution to reducing food waste?"

Additionally, the council member pointed out issues beyond nutrition and hygiene.

Kuroda argued, "Eliminating white rice = commercial furikake seems too hasty. If we're really considering SDGs, should we be increasing the waste from furikake packets?"

40% of students who bring furikake say "they leave less rice uneaten"

People in the city commented on the practice of bringing furikake to school lunches:

A person in their 70s said, "I think it's good. If it helps them eat more rice. When I was hospitalized, I couldn't eat white rice, but I could eat it with furikake."

A person in their 50s mentioned, "If furikake is okay, then what about bringing soy sauce to put on side dishes, or adding salt? It might lead to that."

In a survey, only 7.4% of students said they "bring furikake almost every day," while 77% said they "have never brought it."

However, nearly 40% of students who answered that they "bring furikake" reported that "they leave less rice uneaten."

The city plans to continue monitoring the situation and maintain the practice for the time being.

Source: ANN

Rare Mutation in Lung Cancer Patient Helps Prolong Life

Diagnosed with lung cancer in his forties and given a prognosis of just six months to live, a man has defied the odds and is still working full-time, eight years after the initial diagnosis. This was made possible by the latest treatment method known as "cancer genome medicine."

Red-Tinted River Baffles Sendai Locals

The Hirose River in Sendai City has turned a mysterious red, sparking local concern. Residents are puzzled, with some noting they've never seen anything like it before.

Fake Japanese Products Gain Popularity in Russia

Since the invasion of Ukraine and the consequent wave of foreign business withdrawals from Russia, products mimicking Japanese imports have been appearing in greater numbers across the country.

Nuclear reactor in northeastern Japan restarted 13 years after 2011 disaster

The operator of a nuclear power plant in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, restarted one of its reactors on Tuesday, more than 13 years after it suffered damage in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster. (NHK)

Election Staff in Mini-Skirt Raises Questions

A woman in a neon-colored jacket and mini-skirt was seen supporting a candidate in Japan's latest Lower House election, sparking public debate on extremely short skirts, shorts, and other revealing outfits worn by female campaign staff.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Education NEWS

Youth suicides in Japan top 500, govt. calls for support network

A Japanese government report shows the number of suicides by children and teens in Japan remains high at over 500 cases in 2023. The government is calling for a support network to prevent young people from feeling alienated. (NHK)

Rise and Fall of Zero: A6M and Its Struggle for Pacific Supremacy

This episode dives into the rise and legacy of Japan's iconic A6M Mitsubishi Zero fighter, which shattered Allied assumptions of air superiority in WWII. Initially, the British and Americans underestimated Japan’s aviation capabilities, but Japan’s innovative A6M Zero quickly proved otherwise. (Kings and Generals)

Exploring Japanese Traditions Through Samurai Culture and Photography

The samurai caste endured for seven centuries, from the late 12th century to the late 19th century, witnessing shifts in rulers, epochs, and values. Yet, their commitment to duty and honor remained unwavering.

Secrets of Shinjuku’s Growth Uncovered by Tokyo University

Shinjuku, Japan’s largest entertainment district, is currently undergoing redevelopment. Tokyo University's Geography Club recently delved into the secrets of Shinjuku’s unique landscape and its role in shaping the district’s history.

The Weakening Imperial State | Setting the Stage #2

The rise of Japan's warrior class is at hand. In this video we dive into the development of private warrior groups who will transition into the Bushi along with significant warriors of the capital who will forge lasting warrior clans. (The Shogunate)

Foreign Tourists Praise Japanese Clinics

Japanese clinics are increasingly being visited by foreign tourists for a variety of medical reasons. These include emergencies such as sudden illnesses, injuries, and the need for critical vaccinations.

International Menstruation Day: Event Held in Osaka to Promote Greater Understanding

Saturday (Oct 19) marked International Menstruation Day. An event aimed at fostering a better understanding of menstruation is currently being held in Osaka.

How I Learned JAPANESE (and how you can too)

Learning Japanese has allowed me to fly planes, captain boats, apprentice under legendary Japanese musicians and so much more. Studying Japanese was the single best decision of my life and has changed Everything. This is how I did it, and how you can learn Japanese too! (Tokyo Lens)

< 2 3 4 5 >