Nagano's Matsugaoka Elementary School Reduces Absenteism with Weekly 'Morning Onigiri' Program

Matsugaoka Elementary School in Nagano City has been offering handmade onigiri to students every Monday morning for the past year and a half, thanks to local community members. This initiative helps reduce student absenteeism and fosters a positive school environment, while also promoting community engagement.

Sat May 23 2026

'Morning Onigiri' Program Launched Through Community Collaboration

At Matsugaoka Elementary School in Nagano City, a special program provides students with handmade onigiri every Monday morning, prepared by local residents who are members of the Community School. This initiative began a year and a half ago after the school expressed concern about the number of students skipping breakfast. Mr. Hirofumi Matsumoto and other residents were surprised to discover that the number of students skipping breakfast, initially estimated at 1-2, actually exceeded 10. The rice used for the onigiri is primarily state-reserved rice provided free of charge for children's cafeterias.

Positive Changes in School Life as Students Embrace Lively Mondays

According to a survey by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the breakfast absenteeism rate among elementary and junior high school students has been on an upward trend in recent years. However, since the introduction of this program, positive changes have been observed at the school. Students, who often find Mondays challenging, now look forward to coming to school, and the Monday absenteeism rate has significantly decreased. Students expressed their gratitude, saying, "The onigiri is so delicious," "It gives me energy," and "It warms me up on cold days." This warm interaction not only benefits the students but also energizes the local residents who prepare the onigiri.

Expanding Community Interaction Through 'Morning Meals'

Matsugaoka Elementary School's initiative is inspiring other communities. Ms. Ruin Miyajima, who runs 'Shiawase Kateiya' in the Nozai area of Nagano City, is from Taiwan, where eating breakfast outside the home is common. She stated, "Although I started the children's cafeteria for the kids, I realized that adult support and interaction are crucial." She aims to foster more interaction between grandparents, parents, and children for the benefit of the community. Through these 'shared morning meals,' new avenues for community connection and solidarity are emerging.

*Source: YouTube: 日テレNEWS (2026-05-23)*

Tags: #Japan #Nagano #Matsugaoka Elementary School #Breakfast #Community