Japanese school lunch is a vehicle that forges connections with community and society, ultimately contributing to students’ understanding of themselves and the world around them. The system has garnered much of its prestige since 2004 when food education components were officially incorporated into the curriculum on a national level. School lunch is pervasive - available at 99.7% of public and 46.2% of private elementary schools, and 91.0% of public and 13.9% of private junior high schools. Achieving reliable standards in food and curriculum quality, the local and national government, nutritionists, school administrators and staff have unintentionally created a growing soft power. This lecture will examine the history and enduring legacy of Japanese school lunch, and how simple meals have become a culinary representation of society.

Alexis Agliano Sanborn is an independent Japanese and Food Studies researcher. Studying Japan for over a decade, she received her Bachelor's degree from UC Santa Barbara and her Master's degree from Harvard University. The Japanese school lunch system was the topic of her Master’s thesis at Harvard University. Entitled “Flavoring the Nation,” this was the first comprehensive English-language assessment of this school lunch and food education system. She continues her work by writing articles with New York non-profit Gohan Society, and working with Table for Two and their new “Washokuiku” (Japanese food education) project.  She also maintains japaneseschoollunch.com which specializes in sharing English-language food education news and developments straight from Japan, and a newly launched blog which shares school lunch-inspired recipes for the everyday cook. Learn more at alexisaglianosanborn.com