#Japan #Fukui #Miraie #Omusubi Chef

New Educational Model for Food Literacy in Fukui Prefecture

Fukui Prefecture has recently implemented an innovative food education program aiming to cultivate children's cooking skills. In collaboration with MIRAIE, a company based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, they utilized the child-friendly meal kit called "Omusubi Chef" in pilot classes at Heishō Elementary School. This initiative aims to create opportunities for children to engage with food proactively, thereby forging a new connection among families, communities, and schools.

The program kicked off with fifth-grade students discussing "the power of shaping what you love" during their integrated studies. Both fifth and second graders collaborated in learning how to prepare delicious meals with the help of the Omusubi Chef kit.

Class Overview

• - Location: Heishō Elementary School, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture
• - Date: November 21, 2025
• - Participants: 76 students (41 fifth graders and 35 second graders)
• - Duration: 2 class periods consisting of interactive lessons and cooking sessions

Class Schedule

• - 3rd Period: A lecture by MIRAIE co-founders Chie Omiya and Michiko Ando on the theme “The World through Omusubi.” The lecture showcased various ingredient combinations used in omusubi from different countries, followed by a quiz to enhance learning about global food cultures.
• - 4th Period: The fifth graders supported the second graders in making omusubi using rice they had harvested themselves. They also prepared miso soup using the "Magic Miso Stick," fostering collaboration and teamwork between the grades.

About Omusubi Chef

The "Omusubi Chef" is an educational cooking kit designed for children to prepare omusubi and miso soup without needing knives or heat, making it safe for kids. The recipes, which include a variety of vegetables, were developed by cookery expert Junko Fukuda, who creatively designed them to appeal to children's palates. The kit's unique "Magic Miso Stick" allows for easy miso soup preparation, retaining the crispness and vibrant colors of the vegetables used it.

You can learn more about the product at Omusubi Chef's website.

Objectives of the Pilot Classes

This program reflects the social challenges faced by today's youth, where decreasing home economics classes in schools and rising dual-income households limit food-related learning opportunities. The initiative emphasizes the importance of teaching children to cook, as it encourages self-sufficiency while encompassing the whole journey from rice cultivation to meal preparation and consumption, instilling an understanding of local food culture.

Specific goals include:

• - Providing invaluable cooking experiences amidst reduced home economics education in junior high and high schools.
• - Enhancing children’s self-cooking abilities in schools to support their future independence, especially in households with both parents working.
• - Promoting awareness about the importance of food through hands-on experiences in rice growing and cooking.
• - Fostering collaboration and empathy as older students assist the younger ones.
• - Exploring the potential of integrating educational meal kits like Omusubi Chef into school meal practices that can be replicated at home.
• - Utilizing locally sourced rice to promote educational models that engage community resources.
• - Establishing a new practice that bridges food, education, and local culture in line with SDGs.
• - Cultivating children’s self-esteem and sense of achievement through cooking experiences.

Participant Feedback

Students expressed excitement and joy in their cooking adventures:

• - “I normally didn't like carrots, but after tasting tuna mixed with carrots, I found them quite delicious!” (5th grader)
• - “I was really looking forward to this. Making delicious omusubi made me so happy! I want to try making different types at home.” (5th grader)
• - “Even younger kids like us can easily make it. I wanted to eat more after I cooked myself!” (2nd grader)
• - “It was really fun! I was curious about what ingredients we used.” (2nd grader)

Teacher Feedback

The experience provided by the Omusubi Chef allowed students to engage in the irreplaceable acts of making and sharing food. It became a memorable experience for the children. (Principal Hiromi Okumura)

Future Developments

MIRAIE plans to continue developing the Omusubi Chef educational kits, collaborating with local governments, schools, and communities to enhance children's learning experiences concerning food. As they push this initiative forward, they aim to create a rich tapestry surrounding food education in Japan.