#Japan #Education #Oisix #Shinagawa

Introduction

Oisix La Daichi Inc., a subscription-based food service company based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, conducted a special educational program at Shinagawa Women’s Academy. This initiative is part of their ongoing “Future of Food Learning Project,” focusing on the theme, "Increasing food choices can expand options for living and working in life." The classes ran across three sessions from May 15, 2026, teaching students about the connections between societal issues and business through the lens of food.

Background of the Classes

With the rise of dual-income households, balancing careers and home life has become a pressing issue, especially for working women. According to a generational survey conducted by Oisix La Daichi regarding family dinners and careers, approximately 72% of young individuals anticipate that starting a family will impact their careers. The primary challenge identified by both parents and children was the preparation of meals, particularly concerning menu planning and cooking.

Positioning themselves to address social challenges through business strategies, Oisix aims to cultivate individuals who recognize food issues as personal matters and are motivated to take action for the future. Given that Shinagawa Women’s Academy focuses on nurturing “change agents” who seek out and address societal challenges, it was fitting that this special class took shape between the two organizations.

Discovering the Link between Family Meals and Careers

In the first session at Shinagawa Women’s Academy, 20 selected students from the second year of middle school to the second year of high school participated. Three employees from Oisix, each with diverse career paths, led the lesson. They began by sharing their professional and personal life experiences to convey the variety of choices available in work and life.

Then, through an icebreaker activity, students tasted snacks made from upcycled ingredients. They engaged in quizzes discussing the social issues behind these products. This part of the lesson illustrated how societal challenges can be addressed through business solutions.

The findings of the generational survey were introduced, prompting students to predict the percentage of respondents believing that having a family would impact their careers. They were surprised to learn that while 72% of young people thought so, only 48% of their parents shared that view. The shared consensus regarding the most significant challenge in balancing work and family life was meal preparation. This prompted discussions on how the kitchen table might hold the key to balancing both careers and family.

In exploring the steps involved in meal preparation, groups identified challenges at each stage, leading to discussions on what they perceived to be the most significant hurdles. Comments like "cooking after a tiring day seems tough" and "planning nutritious meals while keeping costs down is challenging" reflected the realities students faced in their own homes. Many groups identified challenges such as “planning meals” and “shopping,” asking how easing these burdens could result in happier family dynamics. This demonstrated that meal preparation is not just a chore; it profoundly impacts family time and quality of life.

Learning from Adults and Cooking to Address Challenges

The second session emphasized the voices of working adults through assigned homework. Students interviewed parents about meal preparation. Many expressed feelings of “burden” and “dread” related to cooking, citing reasons like time constraints due to activities and differing family preferences. This reflection helped students appreciate their parents’ efforts while realizing that work and home responsibilities are intricately linked.

Next, students engaged in experiential cooking using Oisix meal kits. Divided into groups, they prepared “Super Easy Kits,” which could be made in about 10 minutes, and “Deli Oisix,” which only needed 5 minutes in the microwave. The excitement in the classroom was palpable as the students, though initially hesitant, collaborated and marveled at how quickly they could create appealing meals.

After cooking, discussions centered around the intended purpose of the meals. Students recognized how these products aimed to solve problems like meeting the nutritional needs of busy individuals. The company’s development insights underlined the importance of quality along with convenience in today’s fast-paced society.

In their reflections, students articulated how the variety of kits could cater to family preferences, and that even individuals like themselves could prepare meals with such products. The realization that such solutions might ease the burden of balancing work and household duties was empowering.

Proposing Solutions for Future Work and Family Life

In the final session, students were challenged to think creatively about ideal services that could help them work and live fulfilling lives at age 28. They leveraged insights from previous lessons, considering their parents' challenges and practical cooking experiences. Students showcased their ideas in various formats, from presentations to skits.

Suggestions included AI-driven meal planners that suggest recipes based on available ingredients and order missing items through online supermarkets. Some proposed community meal solutions to foster connections, while others considered features for the Oisix service, such as customizable portion sizes based on family structure.

Notably, some groups raised concerns that increasing convenience could reduce the enjoyment of meal preparation. They envisioned services that transform mealtime into a valuable moment connecting with family and reflecting on one's future.

Each group’s exploration underscored not only the need for practical solutions but also the importance of cherishing family time and the joy of food.

The classes concluded with students writing messages to their future selves about their aspirations, such as maintaining a fulfilling career while staying genuine to their happiness and possibly starting a problem-solving company.

Conclusion

This special class highlighted how students perceive meal preparation beyond a mundane chore; they see it as a theme intertwined with their work, family relationships, and broader societal issues. Their innovative thinking provided valuable insights for Oisix as they continue addressing food-related social challenges through their business practices. Oisix remains dedicated to expanding future learning opportunities for the next generation to understand the connections between food and society. Engaging with students not only enriches their perspectives but also fosters novel approaches to achieving our mission of addressing food-related challenges through business solutions.