Fed Up Of School Lunches? Have Some Shokuiku

Carolina Nunes Gomes

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Scottish dietary habits have worsened considerably in recent years. Incorporating Japanese food education, or “Shokuiku”, into our schools could be the key to saving Scotland’s declining health.  

Scotland has one of the highest obesity rates in the world, as the Scottish Health Survey 2022 reported that one-third of children were at risk of being overweight.

Obesity increases the risk of a variety of potentially life-changing conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It has also been linked to psychological conditions among children such as low self-esteem and depression. These are often a direct consequence of bullying and stigmatisation experienced at school, which can further harm a child’s ability to learn and perform academically.  

Japan: The Country Of Health

In Japan, however, this isn’t the case. This country has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world, at only 4.9 per cent in 2023 according to Wisevoter. It has been praised for being one of the healthiest and longest-living nations – so, what’s the secret? 

Japan’s commendable health is a product of both government interference and cultural habits. For example, traditional Japanese cuisine, or “Washoku“, consists of natural, locally sourced ingredients such as fish, rice and vegetables whilst avoiding excessive consumption of animal fats, salt and sugar. 

Shokuikwho? 

The Japanese government has also imposed certain policies to encourage a healthy lifestyle and facilitate access to quality healthcare such as the Basic Law of Shokuiku.  

Shokuiku is a Japanese law initiated by Sagen Ishizuka. He believed that a healthy, traditional Japanese diet was essential in fighting off diseases. In 2005, Shokuiku was made a mandatory program in Japanese schools after growing concerns over students skipping breakfast and not eating meals with their families.

Shokuiku, meaning “food education”, aims to teach children how to grow, prepare and consume healthy food. During their meals, which they cook together as a class, they are taught the nutritional value of what they eat and why it’s important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. 

Should Scotland Adopt Shokuiku?  

If Scotland adopted a basic version of Shokuiku, our schools would be transformed. Mandatory weekly Shokuiku classes would help them develop a deeper understanding of what a healthy, balanced meal looks like.

Furthermore, these healthy eating behaviours in childhood can last into adulthood. Shokuiku would give Scottish children and teenagers a chance to develop nourishing eating habits, providing them with the tools required to live a healthy life upon leaving school.

 

And what’s to say these meals have to be Japanese? There’s no doubt that Washoku is both healthy and delicious, but so is traditional Scottish food. Back in the 17th century, Scots enjoyed a simple diet of porridge, soups, stews and fish which sustained the astounding physique of Scottish Highlanders who were praised for their incredible strength, health and endurance.

Incorporating traditional Scottish cuisine into the Shokuiku structure would make it a more familiar experience for Scottish students. It would also further educate them on their culture and ancestry. As for non-Scottish students, like myself, it would be an interesting learning opportunity to dive deeper into Scotland’s fascinating history.  

Miso Soup, Anyone?  

However, attempting to force Shokuiku into the Scottish curriculum could be counterproductive. A survey by the National Library of Medicine found that 97 per cent of Scottish students reported having access to places selling food or drinks outside of school at lunchtime, with 63 per cent making purchases. To avoid a culture clash and outrage from Big Mac-loving teenagers, it should be subtly introduced. As students and teachers begin to warm up to the idea of being together in a room containing knives (no, I’m not suggesting a fight club), the number of weekly Shokuiku classes could increase. 

“Food education is vital“

One approach to implement the programme could be to invite Japanese students and teachers to Scottish schools. This would allow pupils to get a first-hand insight into the benefits of Shokuiku and to ask questions. Scottish teachers would also benefit as they would be provided with additional support on how to effectively structure a Shokuiku class.

Food education is vital to ensure a healthier nation and to nourish young minds and bodies. If Scotland can learn to integrate lessons from foreign countries into its curriculum, we can teach children healthy habits.

As Aristotle put it: “Those who educate children well are more to be honoured than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.”

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Featured image courtesy of Quang Anh Ha Nguyen on Pexels. No changes made to this image. Image licence found here.