#Japan #Machida #Yamaguchi #Kagome #VeggieCheck

Kagome's Inspiring Vegetable Education Program

On November 11, 2025, Satoshi Yamaguchi, the CEO of Kagome Co., Ltd., took on the role of a “Vegetable Teacher” at an elementary school in Machida City, Tokyo. This initiative is part of Kagome's ongoing collaboration with the non-profit organization, After School NPO, to overcome children’s dislike of vegetables through engaging educational experiences.

About the Initiative

Since 2018, Kagome has implemented the ‘Delicious! Vegetable Challenge’ program in collaboration with After School NPO. The project aims to address the issue of vegetable aversion among children by making learning about vegetables enjoyable. To date, over 15,500 children have benefited from this initiative, with Kagome employees regularly participating as “vegetable teachers.”

During the recent lesson, Yamaguchi engaged a class of 51 second graders in a dynamic and interactive environment. The curriculum included fun quizzes and puzzles that helped the children learn about the seasonal availability of vegetables and the recommended daily vegetable intake. The excitement in the classroom was palpable as students discovered the wonders of healthy eating through hands-on activities.

VeggieCheck: Measuring Vegetable Intake

An innovative aspect of this year’s program is the introduction of “VeggieCheck,” a tool developed in collaboration with the Machida City Board of Education and nutrition teachers from local public elementary schools. This device estimates vegetable intake levels and has been integrated into the curriculum since 2023. During the session, Yamaguchi demonstrated how to use VeggieCheck, further emphasizing the importance of consuming adequate vegetables.

Cultivating a Love for Vegetables

Kagome's efforts to promote vegetable consumption stem from research indicating that cultivating a fondness for vegetables in childhood significantly impacts lifelong eating habits. The company aspires to foster an environment where children develop a liking for vegetables, contributing to a vision of “Zero Vegetable Deficiency” in Japan.

Lesson Activities

The recent special lesson, titled ‘Delicious! Vegetable Challenge - Fascinating Vegetable Experiments,’ allowed students to become vegetable detectives. They engaged in exciting vegetable-themed quizzes and experiments, delving into topics such as the properties of different vegetables and their buoyancy in water.

In a statement, Yamaguchi expressed his delight in learning alongside the elementary students: “We had a wonderful time exploring vegetables together. The children’s enthusiasm for the quizzes and experiments energized me, and I could sense their keen interest in learning about veggies. It was heartwarming to see them engage with VeggieCheck as a fun game.”

Student Feedback

Participating children shared their thoughts on the class:

• - “I enjoyed the experiment of making vegetables float in water!”
• - “I want to improve my VeggieCheck score, so I’ll eat more vegetables and try to outdo my family.”
• - “In the quiz where we guessed vegetables in a box, it was easy to tell that pumpkin was bumpy, but distinguishing between sweet potatoes and potatoes was a bit tricky.”

Planting Seeds for Future Education

Since 2022, Kagome has also employed a comprehensive approach to food education that starts with “plant education.” This initiative encourages kids to grow vegetables, harvest them, and learn cooking methods, nurturing curiosity and appreciation for nature and food. The ‘Delicious! Vegetable Challenge’ is a vital part of this larger mission.

Through small yet impactful experiences in growing and cooking vegetables, Kagome aims to stimulate intellectual curiosity, enrich emotional awareness, and foster gratitude towards nature and healthy living.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Kagome seeks to instill in children a strong foundation of healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime. By embracing interactive and supportive learning environments like the ‘Delicious! Vegetable Challenge,’ they continue to pave the way for a healthier future generation.

For more detailed information about Kagome’s initiatives, visit Kagome’s website.