News On Japan

Challenges in Ensuring Children's Meals During Summer Break

TOKYO, Aug 03 (News On Japan) - An NPO survey revealed that 30% of single-parent families in Japan report having only two meals a day during the summer break. As prices continue to rise, securing adequate food for children has become a pressing issue.

According to a survey conducted by the "National Council of Single-Parent Family Support Groups" from July 20 to 28, 31.8% of single-parent households reported having "two meals a day," and 2.2% reported having "one meal a day."

In addition to the lack of school lunches during the summer break, the impact of rising prices has led to severe living conditions, with some reporting measures like "stretching meals with rice gruel" and "reducing air conditioner use."

Amid concerns about securing safe spaces and food for children, a children's cafeteria in Koto Ward, Tokyo, has started distributing bread, snacks, and juice to children participating in morning radio exercises during the summer break.

Participants commented, "I feel energized after doing the radio exercises early in the morning. It was great to receive snacks because I worked hard," and "It's a bit tough having to think about lunch too. I'm grateful for even a little time to connect with friends."

Yuriko Morio, the representative of Toyosu Children's Cafeteria, who organized the initiative, stated, "We want to protect children's spaces within the community."

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

A passenger car was captured speeding across the frame from left to right by a security camera just moments before a fatal crash in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, that claimed the lives of four vocational school students.

A fire broke out on the evening of April 25th on an electronic billboard attached to the Yodobashi Camera commercial complex in front of JR Osaka Station, prompting a large emergency response. No injuries were reported.

Organic fluorine compounds known as PFAS—suspected to be harmful to human health—have been detected at concentrations exceeding the national provisional target in rivers and groundwater at 242 sites across 22 prefectures, according to a government survey.

The Japanese government will begin issuing blue tickets for bicycle traffic violations in April 2026, with fines including 5,000 yen for ignoring stop signs and up to 12,000 yen for riding while using a smartphone.

A 26-year-old woman was arrested in the early hours of April 24th in Kasuya Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. While admitting to the offense, she claimed, "I ate chocolate that contained alcohol."

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Education NEWS

There are some English words that are harmless. But to Japanese, they sound FILTHY! Yes, simple words like chin, napkin, and even people's names like Gary and Ben can sound very inappropriate in Japan! Today, I'll share all of these words with you! (Mrs Eats)

Japan has seen a dramatic surge in tourism over the past decade, with visitor numbers tripling, bringing both economic benefits and greater intercultural exchange. However, this growth has also led to issues of "overtourism," especially on trains—the country's most popular means of transport—where overcrowding and cultural misunderstandings about behavior have caused concern among locals.

Achieving academic success isn’t only about securing good grades—it’s about learning how to continuously improve, developing effective study methods, and building the confidence to face challenges.

What happens when you ditch the brushes and just use your fingers? You get something... unexpectedly beautiful.

As Japan enters the era of 100-year lifespans, attention is turning to ways to maintain a youthful appearance and healthy body without relying on costly treatments or devices. One growing trend is facial muscle training — a method of exercising the face to address sagging skin, wrinkles, and double chins, all without the use of tools or surgery.

In Japan, business cards are more than just a way to exchange contact information. They carry a deeper significance, reflecting a person's professionalism, respect, and attention to detail.

The MBTI personality assessment has become popular among Japanese youth as a tool for self-understanding and social interaction, reflecting a change toward individualism.

Balancing career and family is challenging for working mothers, with cultural pressures often leaving personal well-being overlooked.