Cattle Farmer Conducts Food Education at Elementary School: Experiencing the Importance of Life Through Five Senses
Takashi Itoga, a cattle farmer and member of the East Japan Direct Beef Research Association, conducted a cow-feeding experience class for 3rd graders at Asahi City Takisato Elementary School on May 19, 2026, with another session for 5th and 6th graders scheduled for June 2. He continues these food education activities to teach children the importance of life.
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Takashi Itoga, a cattle farmer and member of the East Japan Direct Beef Research Association, held a cow-feeding experience class for 3rd-grade students at Asahi City Takisato Elementary School in Chiba Prefecture on May 19. A follow-up session for 5th and 6th graders is scheduled for June 2.
Mr. Itoga has been proposing and conducting food education classes at Takisato Elementary School since 2022, annually providing cow-feeding experiences and reading performances based on true stories.
### Food Education Through the Five Senses
During the classes, children visit the farm to feed the cattle straw and pellets, allowing them to experience the size, smell, and warmth of the animals firsthand. This engagement has led to positive changes, with staff noting that students have begun to eat with gratitude for the food and the producers.
### Future Outlook
This autumn, a reading of the picture-story show "Inochi wo Itadaku" (Receiving Life) is planned. Additionally, lectures on SDGs, such as reducing cow burps, and local industries are planned for 5th and 6th graders, continuing to provide opportunities to learn about the importance of life alongside gratitude for food.
FAQ
What is the content of the food education classes conducted by the East Japan Direct Beef Research Group?
We conduct experiential classes where students can learn about the production process of food and the importance of life through activities such as feeding cows and listening to stories based on real-life experiences related to meat production.
What is the purpose of Ise Kishi's food education classes at Takigou Elementary School?
The classes are conducted with the aim of making children feel closer to 'food' through experiences that involve interacting with actual fields and producers, and to teach them the importance of 'valuing life'.
What changes have been observed in the children who have taken the classes?
Feedback from teachers indicates that children have started to express gratitude for food and producers, and are making more effort to eat things they previously disliked.
What SDGs-related initiatives are planned for future classes?
For 5th and 6th-grade students, we plan to implement lectures on initiatives such as reducing cow burps and discussions on local industries.
What is the philosophy of the food education activities of the East Japan Direct Beef Research Group?
The group's philosophy is to 'pursue and continuously deliver truly delicious beef' and to expand opportunities for children to learn about the importance of food and gratitude for life, thereby promoting food education activities.