hitostubu nokosazu

Food is introduced to Japanese children as a core component of their education from a very early age. They are taught Japanese eating rituals and songs — the importance of eating a balanced meal and finishing every grain of rice as an expression of appreciation for nature and to avoid waste.

This piece is an observation and documentation of the bento lunches at a Japanese preschool in Los Angeles, California and the dialogues, interactions and dynamics that arise from these meals.

hitotsubu nokosazu taberu = eating the whole meal without leaving a single grain of rice.