INTEGRATING THE 'SHOKUIKU' PHILOSOPHY IN ENHANCING NUTRITION EDUCATION IN INDIA

In a world dominated by fast food and ultra-sugary/sweetened drinks, paired with the lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle, the global scale continues to tip towards obesity and a plethora of ailments, leading to a rather unhealthy populace across the world. Amidst all the ultra-processed food obsession, however, one country has found the solution to the rapidly evolving food culture: Japan.

- ARCHANA

Home to the healthiest kids on the planet, the Southeast Asian nation has fewer than one in five overweight children - making it the only nation among the 41 countries in the OECD and the EU. [ https://www.unicef.org/media/61871/file/SOWC-2019.pdf ]

From establishing its first Private Nutrition School in 1924 [ https://www.mhlw.go.jp/nutrition_policy/global/pdfs/leave_no_one_behind_en.pdf ] to enacting the Dietitians Act in 1947 (soon after World War II), and the Nutrition Improvement Act in 1952, Japan's substantial focus on nutrition is today deeply ingrained into its culture.

Adopting Japanese dietary habits supersedes all ages and commences even before a child is born - with adequate guidance for pregnant mothers to the stringent implementation of nutrition education, the significance of nutrition has been long prevalent in the Japanese society. The emphasis on the use of fresh and local ingredients in the traditional Japanese diet with diverse components to achieve the right balance of all macronutrients has resulted in a healthy population - evidenced by the low malnutrition rates and one of the highest longevity rates worldwide. [ https://www.maff.go.jp/j/syokui-ku/guide/pdf/OO_en_guide.pdf ]

Drawing inspiration from a systemic approach to nutrition education, India, too, can leverage the power of education to inculcate healthy dietary habits from day one. This will enable a generation to make informed choices and ultimately enhance the overall health of the country.

THE JAPANESE PHILOSOPHY OF 'SHOKUIKU'