JET Programme Series: Let's talk about "Boxed Lunch" - Sadia Glasgow

In Japan, Kyushoku (is what boxlunch is to us Trinis) is lunch provided by the school system in elementary and middle schools. It is a big part of school culture for both teachers and students.
 

Here, the lunch period isn't just a time to eat and play. Instead, students are expected to participate and engage in practically every aspect of the meal – that is, besides making the food themselves (although, from time to time they do that too!)…
 

Here's what I've learnt about kyushoku:
 

1. Each class has a group of students called "kyushoku touban." This translates to lunch staff. These students are given the responsibility of dishing out and serving their classmates' meals, leading the blessing and cleaning up after lunch.
 

2. Students and teachers begin having lunch together after saying "Itadakimasu." Itadakimasu is an expression of thanks for the food. It means "I humbly receive." After approximately 15-20mins, "Gochisou-sama" is said in unison. It means "Thank you for the delicious meal." Only after saying this are students allowed to excuse themselves from the room.
 

3. Kyushoku menus comprise of a wide variety of dishes representing not only Japanese cuisine, but foods from various countries. Meals are well balanced and extremely tasty.
 

4. Since it is provided for ALL students, there is a cost attached but it is extremely economical. Some lower income families even benefit from discounted prices.
 

The more I learn about Japanese food culture, the more I love it. Food is known to bring people closer together and this institutional meal system attempts to do that. From this every day activity students have opportunities to learn about responsibility, group labour, perseverance, endurance, cleanliness, humility, gratitude and comradery.
 

All in all, I've learnt so much about Japan by taking part in these meals that I just had to share. I hope you humbly receive this information.
 

Sayonara for now.


JET Series: Let's talk about "Boxed Lunch" (Japanese Embassy Facebook)


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