#Japan #Nagoya #Food Education #TELACO #sketchbook

Introduction

In a remarkable initiative by the Meitetsu Group, an online food education event was organized in collaboration with TELACO, an after-school program targeting elementary school students, and sketchbook, a company committed to improving preschool meal services. The event, held on August 6, 2025, utilized Zoom to connect students with real food producers, aiming to enlighten them about the vital relationship between humans and food.

Event Highlights

At the event, students had the unique opportunity to meet Mr. Hashimoto, who runs a tai (sea bream) farming operation in Mie Prefecture. His engaging presentation covered crucial topics such as the fish farming process, the connection between the sea and people, and the significance of food production. What set this event apart was the interactive format that allowed students not only to observe but also to taste the tai produced by Mr. Hashimoto after the session. This dual engagement heightened their senses and fueled a genuine appreciation for food and gratitude towards those who produce it.

A Deeper Purpose

Sketchbook's mission is to cultivate a love for food among children by connecting them with food producers across Japan through online platforms. By witnessing and understanding the journey food takes from production to consumption, students learn that eating can be enjoyable and educational. This experience is pivotal in expanding children's horizons about food and its importance in society.

Detailed Overview of the Event

The online food education event, titled "Let’s Learn About Fishing Careers," involved participation from twelve TELACO facilities and 396 students from grades one to six. During the event, Mr. Hashimoto discussed the intricate processes involved in raising tai, how the fish is prepared for market, and the production of processed food products. His presentation included a live demonstration of filleting a live tai, which provided students with an understanding of the fish's anatomy and the value of life.

As he demonstrated, he posed thoughtful questions to the children, emphasizing that tai share some biological similarities with humans. Students were enthralled, asking questions like, “Wow, that tai is huge!” and “What’s inside its belly?” These moments evoked a deep sense of connection to nature and life.

The event's format, while virtual, effectively captured the ambiance of a real-time learning experience, allowing children to grasp the significance of human labor in food production and the value of nature’s resources.

Food Tasting Experience

Upon conclusion of the event, students in each facility enjoyed the “snack dried fish” made from the remnants of tai that would typically be discarded. This environmentally friendly product was developed through a process that transforms what would be waste into an easy-to-eat treat for kids. This initiative not only teaches children about food waste reduction but also reinforces lessons about resourcefulness and sustainability.

Feedback from Participating Facilities

Throughout the event, facilitating institutions shared their thoughts:

• - Learning about the fishing profession was an invaluable experience for students who rarely have such opportunities.
• - Despite being online, the live demonstration of filleting a fish offered a genuine experience that connected students to real-world skills.
• - Tasting the snack dried fish allowed children to understand the importance of life and the hard work behind food production. Many expressed how delicious it was!

Company Background

Organizer:
Company Name: sketchbook Co., Ltd.
Location: Shibuya, Tokyo
CEO: Yuuka Shibasaki
Founded: July 2020
Website: https://babysfun.jp/
Overview: sketchbook focuses on supporting preschool meal services with innovative meal plans and kits, aiming to streamline operations and address workforce shortages.

Implementing Facility:
Company Name: Meitetsu Smile Plus Co., Ltd.
Location: Nagoya, Aichi
President: Masahiro Kitamori
Founded: November 2017
Website: https://meitetsu-sp.co.jp/
Overview: A group company of Nagoya Railroad, it provides support for working families with after-school programs, daycare centers, and children's exercise lessons across 32 locations.

Producer:
Company Name: Tomoe Suisan Co., Ltd.
Location: Mie Prefecture
CEO: Jun Hashimoto
Founded: June 1970
Website: https://marukinmaru.com/
Overview: Specializes in the farming and processing of tai.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the TELACO online food education event by sketchbook exemplifies a successful approach to bridging the gap between children and food producers. By fostering personal connections through immersive experiences, the initiative illuminates the journey of food, nurturing respect and appreciation for the work of farmers and the value of sustainable food practices. Through continued efforts like these, we hope to inspire future generations to cherish and responsibly engage with the food they consume.