Expanding the Satsuma Vitamin Road Initiative into School Lunches: Lessons from Two Scientists Born in Satsuma
Hygiene and Health Promotion Medicine (HORIUCHI Masahisa, USHIKAI Miharu), Elementary School Attached to Faculty of Education (MATSUKUBO Kumiko),
Kagoshima Dietetic Association
Background and objectives of activities
Kagoshima has produced two great figures in the field of “food and health”: Mr. Kanehiro Takagi (a graduate of Kagoshima Medical School, the predecessor of Kagoshima University's Faculty of Medicine) and Ms. Ume Tange (a graduate of Kagoshima Women's Normal School, the predecessor of Kagoshima University's Faculty of Education). However, their recognition remains low even within Kagoshima Prefecture itself. To raise awareness of their achievements, the Kagoshima Tourism Convention Association collaborated on creating the “Satsuma Vitamin Road” website in fiscal year 2024.
https://www.kagoshima-yokanavi.jp/itinerary/satsuma-vitamin
Starting in fiscal year 2025, we will promote widespread awareness of these two figures by serving “foods associated with their legacies” on commemorative days in elementary and junior high school school lunches. Aiming to provide high-quality education that fosters lifelong learning, we strive for activities that are “memorable through eating and learning.”
Summary of Activities
The foundation for this initiative, the “Satsuma Vitamin Road” website, was launched in fiscal year 2024. In fiscal year 2025, at the request of the Kagoshima City Board of Education, we conducted a seminar at a training session for school lunch staff. Subsequently, following discussions with the Prefectural Dietitians Association, “local foods with historical connections” were served at Kagoshima University Elementary School in November 2025 (Documents 1 and 2). Additionally, related books were displayed in the school library (Document 3). Furthermore, with the cooperation of elementary and junior high schools (including school lunch centers) in each region, we aim to use school lunch activities to introduce children and parents to local historical figures related to food and health. By learning about the achievements of these two individuals, we also seek to create opportunities for reflection on vitamins and health. We will promote this initiative as much as possible through lectures and other means via the Kagoshima Prefecture Dietitians Association.
Expected Benefits
Learning about Kagoshima's great figures in science can help children cultivate pride in their hometown. Furthermore, it provides an educational opportunity for them to independently learn about vitamins and health. It also offers a chance to learn about the lives of researchers like Dr. Takagi and Dr. Tange, helping children understand the importance of lifelong learning.