Edible Schoolyard at Aiwa Elementary, Tama
Tama, Japan · Operator: Edible Schoolyard Japan (一般社団法人エディブル・スクールヤード・ジャパン)
Overview
In 2014 Aiwa Elementary in Tama became Japan's first Edible Schoolyard, modeled on Alice Waters' Berkeley program. The school garden and kitchen serve as 'living classrooms' where children learn through all five senses, from sowing to harvest, cooking and eating, as a formal subject. Pupils experience nutrient cycles, the interconnection of life and ties to their community.
Citizen participation
Pupils of every grade take garden and kitchen classes as part of the integrated-studies curriculum, supported by parent volunteers and local residents.
Operating model
Non-profit run by a general incorporated association, funded by donations, grants and corporate sponsorship in partnership with the school and municipality.
Impact
As the pioneering model for edible education in Japan, it has spread the approach nationwide and marked its 10th anniversary in 2024.
Crops
- seasonal vegetables
- herbs
- leafy greens
- tomato
- edible flowers
Scale
School-ground edible garden plus a kitchen classroom; whole-school program across all grades
Sources（3）
This entry is compiled from the public sources, official sites and research below.
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