Memoirs: My daughter is very lucky
A positive experience in a public junior high school
Memoirs: My daughter is very lucky. This is a continuation of my true stories of my time living in Japan. Seen through the lens of a foreigner (Canadian). This article contains aspects of my prior article: https://austinworx.com/memoirs-the-joke-in-on-me/
My Assignment as an ALT
Many years ago, I was posted to a public junior high school in Japan as an ALT (Assistant foreign Language Teacher). It was one of the toughest jobs I have ever had in many ways, but also the most enlightening. Although I may never be an ALT again, I felt that my time there was truly worthwhile. If you are interested in an ALT position, I guarantee you will learn more about Japanese ways than in any English conversational school.
When it comes to my experiences with the ALT position, there are so many interesting stories to share with my readers. However, I will focus on one particular aspect that truly caught my attention. What I’m referring to is the incredibly unique and impressive Japanese lunch system that I had the opportunity to experience firsthand.
School Lunches in Japan
Did you know that a qualified nutritionist approved by the local board of education supervises the daily meals for both students and teachers in the district’s schools? In my opinion, they do an excellent job. The sheer variety of food provided for lunch each day amazed me.
Health is a top priority.
The school lunches consist of a well-rounded variety of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, providing a passive lesson on healthy eating habits and local dish knowledge for the students. The most impressive aspect is the diversity of dishes, including sushi, tempura, stew, rice bowls, vegetable stir-fry, homemade curries, and more, ensuring no boring meals. Very balanced, and for the most part, delicious.
What surprised me as well was that each student was given milk for lunch, and this never changed. I suppose with so much variety in all the foods, the only consistent property of the entire lunch package was the milk.
Anyway, anticipation or dread often precedes lunch for students, as their monthly lunch schedule is usually forgotten.
I remember shouting hurray with the students when curry or cream stew was served. I also shared the dismay with some of the students when some of the fish combinations were served. My apologies, I exaggerate. Most people like fish in Japan, just not me, sadly.
In addition to the amazing healthy food variety, I have to remark upon the size of the proportion of the meal.
IT WAS HUGE!
I have never eaten such heavy lunches before, but I learned that that isn’t such a bad thing. My breakfasts and dinners were often smaller as a consequence and I became healthier day-by-day. Oh, how I miss those lunches!
The Canadian School Lunch System
In my Canadian childhood, my lunchbox usually contained sandwiches. However, I discovered that peanut butter can be combined with almost anything known to man, including bananas, brown sugar, and honey. Once, my dad played a prank on me by leaving the plastic wrapper on my cheese slice in my ham and cheese sandwich. It’s an experience that unfortunately, Japanese school children will miss.
Oops! Sorry for the digression.
The Canadian system doesn’t serve food like some other countries believing that it is up to the family to provide. Children did have the option to buy cafeteria food, but it is not subsidized and it is very frugal in comparison to the Japanese lunches.
The School Lunch System in Japan
As you may have guessed, the teachers and students eat together in the classroom. It was my job as an ALT to sit and eat with the students in each class every workday. Initially, it bothered me because I value a little privacy; however, it became a routine and had its fun moments. Even though I couldn’t speak Japanese, we still communicated because of the communal atmosphere.
So, I learned that it varies from school to school, but lunch in the school where I was posted came by truck in the late morning. Sometimes, if the school is big enough, they would have their own kitchens and work staff that prepares their food.
The basic foods were already prepared and the trays were provided; however, it was up to the students to actually serve portions of food onto the trays of their fellow classmates and teachers. It was a way for the students to interact with each other and bond over shared experiences. This also taught the students responsibility and a sense of community.
The other students were responsible for moving the classroom tables and chairs into groupings so that the students would eat together, as opposed to apart, and the general cleanup afterwards.
From what I remember in Canada, we simply had our gymnasium turned into an open cafeteria with wide tables and benches used for that occasion. I believe an assigned work staff was in charge of everything, as opposed to the students.
There are very few Exceptions
One thing that I did not mention, but I think it is important to point out, is that there are very few exceptions. A student cannot participate in the school lunch system if there are any difficulties. Either everyone gets it, or they have to bring their own and eat separately.
I remember having to sit and eat with school children who had disabilities and with those that had to bring lunch from home because they were allergic to rice once or twice. This was not a bad experience, but it was a shame that the children couldn’t participate daily with their classmates.
Sadly, the Japanese system is not very flexible in this regard. I believe though that the majority are taken care of as best as possible.
On a positive note though, for a monthly fee of about $45, our child is eating well.
My Daughter is Very Lucky
I am truly envious of my daughter. Over the next number of years, I am confident in the school lunches and the system. Additionally, I believe she is eating healthier and better than I am. Japan truly excels in this regard.
Thank you for taking the time to read. I hope you have a wonderful day wherever you may be.
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