#Japan #Ota #Haneda Airport #Omori First School #Health Lunch

Local Elementary Students Innovate Health-Conscious Lunch Boxes at Haneda Airport Garden

In a remarkable initiative to bridge education with community engagement, sixth graders from Omori First Elementary School in Ota City conceptualized and sold healthy lunch boxes at the Haneda Airport Garden. Operated by Sumitomo Realty & Management, the event took place from December 19 to 21, 2025, providing a unique platform for these young innovators.

Educational Background

The lunch box sale was part of a newly introduced subject in Ota City titled 'Creating Ota's Future.' In collaboration with Toho University School of Medicine, the students participated in the 'Food Project for a Healthier Future,' focusing on the interrelationships between food, health, and the environment. They learned about nutritional balance, reducing salt, increasing dietary fiber, and utilizing local ingredients.

The project was planned and produced by Makumei Inc., involved in event management and education, which collaborated with food service professionals to transform the students' recipes into market-ready products. The students also toured the Haneda Airport Garden facilities, considering the diverse clientele, including international airport users, while developing their menus.

Menu Innovation

In October 2024, the students presented 22 recipes, from which nine were selected after evaluations by stakeholders. These were packaged as 'Ota's Delightful Lunch Box (1,780 yen, including tax),' an initiative that not only emphasizes education but showcases the local community’s values and flavors.

On the sale days, the children actively promoted their lunch boxes in multiple languages, designing handmade flyers and multilingual signs to attract a global audience. Each box featured a unique sticker designed by the students, and around 300 lunch boxes were sold over the three days.

This project represented a learning journey for the students, enabling them to implement their ideas in a real-world setting, fostering a direct connection between their educational experiences and societal contribution.

Special Menu at the Hotel Restaurant

Additionally, some recipes that were not selected for the lunch boxes were featured on the buffet menu of the hotel restaurant, 'All-Day Dining Grand Air.' From December 20 to 23, visitors, including hotel guests, enjoyed these dishes, further extending the students' learning into the culinary realm. This initiative provided an opportunity for families to savor the creations conceived by the students.

Special Dishes

1. Juicy Tsukudani Hamburger: A healthy hamburger made using locally famous seaweed-based tsukudani, packed with komatsuna and carrots, baked to minimize excess oil.
2. TKN Seafood Delicacy: A innovative dish combining bite-sized octopus and cucumber, infused with a rich seaweed dressing.
3. Nori Tossed Peppers and Bean Sprouts: A refreshing dish enriched with locally sourced seaweed and ponzu for a tangy taste.
4. Rich Mushroom Risotto: Creamy risotto boosted with cheese and mushrooms for added fiber and flavor.

Future of Ota's Educational Concept

The Ota City Board of Education aims to nurture creative and capable individuals who can contribute to their communities. Through the 'Creating Ota’s Future' program, children are encouraged to engage with local challenges and collaborate with others to develop solutions.

Conclusion

The lunch box sale at Haneda Airport Garden encapsulated the spirit of community interaction and educational achievement, illustrating how children's creativity can merge with local culture and health consciousness. The initiative marked a significant milestone in fostering the next generation's awareness and understanding of food's role in health and community well-being. Local stakeholders expressed gratitude to all involved for their support in making this project a success, paving the way for similar endeavors in the future that connect students’ educational pursuits with real-world applications.

This initiative not only highlights the importance of health and nutrition but also serves as an inspiring model for community involvement and educational innovation.