2023 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Reducing Food Waste in Japan: An Analysis of Consumer Behavior Patterns
| Project/Area Number |
19K02351
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| Research Institution | University of Hyogo |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2019-04-01 – 2025-03-31
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| Keywords | food waste prevention / food education / Shokuiku / Mottainai |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
In 2023, I completed two major research achievements. (1) I completed a book manuscript which addresses the implementation of food education (shokuiku) in governmental food policies and in schools. This manuscript is currently under review. Based on field work at a rural elementary school in Kyushu, one chapter examines the prevention and reduction of food waste during school lunch in relation with teachings on moral education that emphasize mottainai, a principle with the aim to prevent wasting material and immaterial goods. (2) I contributed a review essay about recent research trends in food and sustainability studies
to an open access collection on culinary heritage published by Routledge entitled "Culinary heritage in Asia: National and regional identities. Reflections from the field."
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.
Reason
Data analysis of field work conducted in Kyushu required more time than anticipated. I had to collect additional data about the implementation on moral education and food waste reduction and prevention in Japanese schools.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
In 2024, I will expand upon completed research on food education and food waste in two ways. (1) I plan to revisit the field site Kyushu to investigate how students at a rural elementary school learn to reduce and prevent food waste, and to examine how food waste reduction and prevention is reinforced during school lunch. (2) I plan to examine Children's Cafeterias (Kodomo Shokudo) as a venue for volunteers to donate food that would otherwise go to waste. The objective of my research is to investigate Childrens' Cafeterias from the perspective of sustainability and to explore how food companies contribute to food waste reduction through food donations to non-profit organisations.
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| Causes of Carryover |
I had anticipated to conduct additional field work in Kyushu which did not materialise. In FY 2024, I plan to utilise the remaining funds for conducting field work in Kyushu to investigate the reduction and prevention of food waste in schools.
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