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AUTUMN, 1986

KIBINAGO RIVER

I like school meals.

It would be no exaggeration to say they are what I come here for.

That's because my mother's cooking tastes bad.

It isn't that she doesn't try.

Cooking is a skill.

- Good morning. - Our family

tells her it tastes good

- to not hurt her feelings. - Good morning.

My father cries with joy when we occasionally order delivery.

Therefore, school meals are the most satisfying meal of the day.

KIBINAGO JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

But I mustn't let anybody know how I feel.

If they knew a teacher anticipated school meals more than pupils,

- their respect for me would plummet. - Good morning.

So I only show my love for school meals

in the depths of my heart.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

What about your greeting?

Right.

What is with your attitude?

Do you think you don't need to greet us since you are studying on the way here?

- No. - Let me say this.

That study is worthless.

Humans only grow from focusing on a single task.

Those words you memorized on the way here will soon disappear.

- Well... - In the future,

you will blame others when you run into them

while you are walking and doing another task.

I find such humans utterly unforgivable.

Good morning.

The bell will ring soon.

Just go in.

- Okay. - Good luck.

Can I talk to you after?

Come on!

- Good morning. - You have 35 seconds!

- 35! - Come on!

- 32, 31! - Hurry up!

My morning routine

is to check off yesterday's school meal to show my thanks.

I then look toward today's school meal.

Yes. Today is the long-awaited symbol of Japanese spaghetti.

- Napolitan. - Mr. Amarida.

About earlier...

Please don't scold students for that.

What may you be referring to?

The student studying vocabulary!

You can't scold a student for studying for the exams.

If he is so focused on studying

that he causes a traffic accident, is that not a problem?

I am talking about your tone.

This is the most important period for third-year students.

They are all using every second to study.

Please don't scold them for that effort.

Should I flatter them instead?

I think that is needed at times.

Is that right?

You don't understand what I said, do you?

I understand.

I am not rejecting your strict teaching style.

But I want you to consider the needs of third-year students.

Hey!

Don't run!

Good morning.

Were you late?

No. I was here ten minutes early.

Ten minutes? What were you doing?

- I was in the lunchroom. - Why?

Today is Napolitan.

Do you think it is appropriate for a student to be so fixated on lunch?

Sorry.

Go.

When I transferred to Kibinago Junior High

I never expected him to transfer here too.

Mr. Amarida!

The teacher's meeting is starting.

He is my rival in lunch, Goh Kamino.

Only his love of school meals can compete with my own.

With the midterm exams behind us,

the third-years are entering exam mode.

This will be a difficult time

for head teacher Ms. Munakata and the other third-year teachers,

but I ask for your earnest work.

I mention this often,

but the motto of this school is "Strong in Heart and Body."

It means to be earnest and strong.

Carve those words in your minds

- as we take on the exams! - Yes!

Okay.

Therefore, I would like to have dinner tonight to commemorate the start of exams.

I hope to see you all there.

I think the Kibinago Club by the station is good.

We'll need firm numbers. Does anyone plan on not attending?

Mr. Amarida?

Do you have plans?

No.

You are a third-year teacher.

I have unpleasant memories of such dinners.

I see. Well, if you change your mind...

Okay, everyone.

See you then!

SCHOOL MEALS TIME

THE GRADUATION

With your midterms over, exams approach.

Do you understand what is important for exams?

Concentration!

Exactly. What do you concentrate on, Minagawa?

- Study, of course. - Health.

You cannot do anything if you are ill.

You cannot study. You must eat to be healthy.

Delicious meals.

If you want to do well on your exams, concentrate on your meals.

Chew well to extract glucose and invigorate the brain.

If you do that, no problem is your match.

The act of eating. In other words, life itself.

This is the very foundation of humans.

Never forget that.

- Yes. - Yes.

What?

OCTOBER MENU SCHEDULE

NAPOLITAN, EGG DROP SOUP BUN, MARGARINE, FRUIT YOGURT, MILK

What is that expression?

Kamino. What did he think up?

Mr. Amarida.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

- You must be curious too. - What do you mean?

Today is Napolitan.

Kamino came earlier too.

I told the students that meals were important to their exams.

I just came to check on today's meal.

I refuse to be placed in the same category as Kamino.

Is that right?

- Feel free to check. - No need.

What is Kamino's strategy today?

Will he put the Napolitan in the bun for a sandwich?

No, that is too simple for the likes of him.

In that case, will he use the fruit yogurt with it?

No. It can't be.

Does he plan to use the egg drop soup with it?

Whatever. It doesn't matter.

I just need to walk my own path of the school meal.

- Wow, Napolitan. - Looks delicious.

- Napolitan is the best. - No, yogurt is.

- That looks delicious. - Add a lot of Napolitan.

- A lot. - Okay.

- More. - Okay.

Can you clean mine too?

Go.

KIBINAGO JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL ANTHEM

Greenery lines the windows of learning

Healthy blood pumping

Charge forward powerfully

Grow together

We are Kibinago Junior High

Oh, Kibinago Junior High

Kibinago Junior High School

Ouch.

Please put your hands together.

- Three, two, one. - Three, two, one.

- Thank you for this meal. - Thank you for this meal.

- Thank you for this meal. - Thank you for this meal.

Thank you for this meal.

Today's main dish is the king of Japanese spaghetti.

Everyone's favorite, Napolitan.

Egg drop soup with plenty of egg.

The companions for all school meals.

A bun and milk.

As for the dessert, you white devil.

Fruit yogurt.

This is an impressive menu.

I held down my excitement all day,

but the spark has been lit!

I understand this may create a misunderstanding,

but this is no time to think of exams.

It is on this day that I feel the most thanks to this spork.

A fork for the Napolitan.

A spoon for the soup and dessert.

It is a double-bladed sword.

This is the magic utensil born of human ingenuity.

First, this.

What a gentle flavor!

A characteristic of egg drop soup in this area

is the generous addition of egg.

What do you think of this chunk of egg?

This is a soup that refuses to remain as the supporting cast.

Delicious!

This is not egg drop soup.

This is angel soup.

They use sesame oil

to make one feel the eastern winds of China.

It is time to dive into the star of today's lunch.

Such joy!

I feel like I can hear happiness enzymes bursting in my mind.

Why are you this delicious?

Why are you making me

so happy?

In Italy, they call this pasta instead of spaghetti.

- What? - Then what is this?

That is Napolitan pasta, I guess.

Really? What language is spaghetti?

No idea!

Brats! Think they know everything!

The word spaghetti means string in Italian.

It is a type of pasta, so this isn't a mistake.

But that isn't the issue.

In Naples, Italy,

there is no Napolitan.

MAP OF ITALY - NAPLES

Oh, no!

I said it!

Oh, what?

What? Well, whatever.

After all, children don't know anything.

The important thing is that Napolitan is the pioneer

of pasta developed in Japan.

If you put it in your mouth...

Saucy!

And saucy. Chewy.

And soggy on the plate.

It can never be cooked al dente.

It is best when it's as if it was boiled too long

and left overnight.

Delicious!

Napolitan really is good!

There it is. That foolish wolfing down.

Yes.

His eyes are popping out even more today.

- I can't be beaten. - Me neither.

What?

Such strong appetites!

No.

Matoba started shining.

They just seem thankful for lunch.

That very appearance seems to shine.

Now I feel so petty for thinking so much.

That's right.

One must enjoy eating school meals.

I refuse to lose.

Okay.

It's time!

I shall remain dedicated.

This is the only rule to facing school meals.

I feel so refreshed.

I am now

in the zone.

Yes!

Another day is completed.

Thank you for this meal.

What? What?

What is this sound?

What?

What is he doing?

Why is he chewing like that?

What?

If you want to do well on your exams, concentrate on your meals.

Chew well to extract glucose and invigorate the brain.

If you do that, no problem is your match.

Sugars?

Is he trying to invigorate his brain?

A carpet of egg?

He drained the soup

to become a sound foundation for the Napolitan!

What the heck?

That's...

That's...

No way!

AMARIDA'S VISION

A cafe Napolitan!

Stop. Stop.

I can hear the sizzling sound of Napolitan.

Sizzle!

Sizzle!

Stop!

Someone stop him!

That looks so amazing!

Why didn't I realize it?

There were a lot of eggs.

My head was filled with knowledge about Napolitan,

but I ignored the excessive egg

in the egg drop soup.

I simply didn't

think as much as he did.

Where am I?

He's in a private cafe!

PRIVATE CAFE

Who are you?

Thank you for your patience. Here is your dessert.

Who are you?

Everything

looks so high quality.

He just separated some egg.

Humans can create with imagination.

Food can shape space itself.

I was a fool!

He used sugars

to invigorate his mind

and optimize the ingredients he was given.

I was distracted by Matoba,

so I forgot the battle

within the battle.

Thank you for this meal.

I lost.

I lost again.

Mr. Amarida.

It's about time to go to the Kibinago Club.

I believe I said I wasn't attending.

I know.

- But the Principal asked me to try again. - I refuse to go no matter what.

- But it's to celebrate. - I prefer to reflect.

Reflect? What do you mean?

It's personal.

Okay. I will tell him you are too busy reflecting.

On this day, I choose the classic ice cream

Home Run Bar.

It is the fortune-telling ice cream bar I eat to soothe my loss at lunch.

I'm sure I hit a home run this time.

Out?

Crap!

Damn it!

Aren't you going to the Kibinago Club?

I was.

But I'm not in the mood.

I was thinking of buying something to eat.

Are you sure?

Eating snacks after school?

I don't want to hear it from you.

- This. - This one?

- Thank you! - It's usually not for sale.

Here. I'll give you one.

- Are you sure? - Go ahead.

Are you worried about exams?

That's worrying me too.

But there is something else.

Rare to hear.

I never expected you to worry about anything

besides work.

What do you think I am?

What is the matter?

What is this?

It is a whisky bonbon.

Whisky?

Do you dislike it?

No.

I'm...

I'm okay.

Good morning.

KIBINAGO JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Good morning.

Good morning.

Isn't Mr. Amarida acting strange?

Fear the whisky bonbon!

That tiny amount of alcohol made me like this.

I don't even remember returning from the candy store.

Speaking of that...

What? What happened?

Mr. Amarida?

Mr. Amarida!

What happened?

Nothing at all.

Your usual aura is gone.

I never even had an aura.

Wait a second!

We got this!

Look!

School Meal Center newsletter.

This is nothing new.

No. This is the first time.

They didn't write much in there.

But I thought you might want to read it.

NEW LUNCH TASTING EVENT

Oh, the aura is back!

I have no aura.

- Really? - Yes.

I'll be taking that back.

KIBINAGO CITY SCHOOL MEAL CENTER

Everyone.

Thank you for coming here on your day off.

I am the nutritionist at the Kibinago City School Meal Center.

My name is Yomoda.

I am Sanada of the same center.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Today, we would like to serve the meals

your children usually eat

so that you may rest assured.

In particular, starting next month,

we plan to begin a menu to enhance student health.

We will design an even healthier menu.

We would like to explain this.

Here.

Fried bread.

Here.

There.

What is this?

What menu is this?

This is paradise!

It is an ensemble of all-stars!

Don't panic. This is just a tasting.

You just came to observe.

You did not come here to enjoy school meals.

However, I cannot hold myself back!

First, I shall begin with the curry.

What?

Is this curry?

It certainly has a curry-like flavor.

But something is different.

What do you think?

Excuse me.

- Is this curry? - Yes.

Did you change something?

Sorry?

It used to have a stronger flavor.

As part of our health improvement plan,

we made the curry healthier

to focus on nutrition and combat obesity.

We reduced oil as much as possible

and added seven nutrients.

Curry is popular with children.

We added many nutrients that improve health.

I have no idea what he is saying.

What is with him?

Next is the fried bread.

So dry!

What?

Did they really fry this?

There's barely any sugar!

All of the benefits of fried bread are destroyed.

Macaroni salad!

What is this?

Does the School Meal Center intend to destroy school meals?

I'm counting on you, strawberry jam!

So watery.

They even made the jam healthy.

Where did that sick sweetness that made one dizzy go?

- What? - Everyone.

It is time to pass out the frozen oranges for dessert.

Here it comes! Frozen orange.

They can't make this healthy or whatever.

It's just a piece of fruit.

They peeled it!

What is this?

Sorry?

Why is it peeled?

Many children can't peel the skin

off of frozen oranges, so we peeled it for them.

It is easier to eat, right?

- So easy! - I know, right?

Easy to eat. I see.

Ouch.

Do not call this a frozen orange.

The experience of eating a frozen orange

includes the struggle of peeling it.

It isn't just the orange. Each dish on this plate

may seem to have been changed for the children,

but they lost their spirit.

What is the matter?

He is talking about their spirit.

You people don't even understand

the meaning of school meals.

What do you mean?

You white lab coats...

are allowed to trek into certain places,

but this isn't one of them.

This way!

Excuse me.

Hey, you.

You.

- Wait. - What is the matter?

I am a teacher.

I came to observe.

What school?

Kibinago Junior High.

You seem suspicious.

Why are you wearing sunglasses if you are a teacher?

Hey.

SCHOOL MEAL MENU TASTING

Hey! Stop!

Stop!

Hey! Stop!

KIBINAGO CITY SCHOOL MEAL CENTER

Hi.

How is it going?

Very well.

The monster.

What was that?

Is that the fate of my school meal?

Also...

That monster from the Board of Education is involved.

What is the matter? It's rare to see you here on the weekend.

I can ask the same of you.

I just came to pick up some exam paperwork.

Is that right?

Is that how you usually dress outside of school?

Yes.

I usually wear this.

Is that so...

What? This is awkward.

- I need to go. - Well...

Yes?

About before...

Before?

I am thinking about it.

About what?

Excuse me.

What did I do?

Mr. Yomoda.

I am heading off.

Good work today.

That bothered you, didn't it?

What?

The man from before.

Some people still have idealized images of school meals.

Bye.

Ideals?

I will return the calligraphy you wrote last week.

Your topic was the character that expressed

your feelings about graduation.

I was asked to look at them.

However,

there was really no such need.

Eighty percent of you

simply wrote the word "Graduation" to express your feelings.

GRADUATION

Silence!

How is that expressing yourselves?

You are not robots!

Do you really have no feelings about graduation?

What should we have written?

There are plenty of things. "Journey."

"Goodbye."

You lack any and all creativity.

Let me just say this. Exams test creativity as well.

People who are unable to imagine the intent of the question

will fail in life even after the exam.

We will have teacher-student meetings after school.

Please come prepared.

Come up when I call your name.

- Miwa. - Yes.

- Kanemoto. - Yes.

- Kamino. - Yes.

What does this mean?

FINISHED MEAL

Compulsory schooling is nine years.

I feel that finishing each school meal is my graduation.

Are you joking around?

No.

I am serious.

FINISHED MEAL

Your scores are much higher than average at North Kibinago High.

It's fine. I'll go there.

You have worked hard to improve your scores.

North Kibinago is known as the worst high school in this area.

It is mocked as the gutter of this town.

You can't really want to go there.

- What is your reason? - Mr. Amarida.

Matoba is going there.

- What? - Why do you need to go

where Matoba goes?

We are dating.

We decided to go to the same school.

Are you sure about this?

- Matoba is a dummy. - Mr. Amarida!

If you make an emotional choice now to lower yourself and follow that dummy

you will regret it once you break up.

Think it over.

Go.

That was surprising.

- Did you know? - I had a feeling.

Matoba ate all the foods that Tawara didn't like.

What?

Is that what made you realize they were dating?

Sharing food is the act of partners.

You want to go to Tokobushi High.

Is that your only choice?

Yes. I am only focused on Tokobushi.

You used to go to junior high in Tokobushi.

Yes. So I know the area.

This kid...

Tokobushi is the only school in this area with an education department.

Do you want to become a teacher?

That's right.

I see.

There is no problem with your grades. I think you'll be fine.

What do you think?

He is trying to become a teacher to continue eating school meals.

Mr. Amarida?

He is walking the same path that I did.

What?

The tiny giant of the candy world.

Morocco Yogurt.

A miss. Whatever.

I am no longer surprised at such outcomes.

It has a mellow acidity in its sweetness.

Its oddly crunchy texture is also a delight.

I have no idea why it uses the name Morocco.

For me,

this is the greatest treat of the day.

There is alcohol in that.

It can't be.

Do you feel weird like the other day?

The other day? What?

I have never seen a whisky bonbon do that to someone.

You saw me?

I have a question.

What did I do then?

I didn't have any appetite today.

Would you like

to eat this?

May I?

I'm so glad.

There are narazuke pickles I made inside it.

I have an extra one if you want.

Delicious!

This is...

so delicious.

I'm glad.

Where is it?

This little guy inside. Nara...

Narazuke pickles.

These are great.

I just like pickling vegetables.

Are you okay?

Someone like you.

What do you mean?

If I were to find a wife...

Where is this coming from all of a sudden?

Really...

I think it would be so nice

to be married to you.

What do you mean?

Don't tease me!

I am not teasing.

Please consider.

You cannot be serious!

Did anything happen after that?

Things have been awkward.

Well that makes sense.

That was outside of my control.

Blame it on the guy getting wasted on candy and narazuke.

What is it?

I made a manual for the test day.

Please hand it out to your class.

GAKU YOMODA

Why would someone from the School Meal Center come here?

There is something on my mind.

Do you have a teacher

who is very passionate about school meals?

Yes.

Mr. Amarida, right?

Mr. Amarida?

What was that?

You play the school anthem before lunch?

Yes.

After we started doing this, we stopped getting leftover food.

This was also Mr. Amarida's idea.

3RD YEAR, CLASS 1

He said school meal was the biggest event of the school day.

We should sing the anthem to unite.

- Mr. Amarida. - Kibinago Junior High

- He thinks a lot about the school. - Ah! Kibinago Junior High

- Well, not sure about the whole school. - Kibinago Junior High

Maybe just school meals.

The river of our hometown flows briskly

A true heart purely

Charge forward powerfully

Shine together

We are Kibinago Junior High

Oh, Kibinago Junior High

Kibinago Junior High School

Please put your hands together.

- Three, two, one. - Three, two, one.

- Thank you for this meal. - Thank you for this meal.

- Thank you for this meal. - Thank you for this meal.

Thank you for this meal.

There is no aroma from this school meal.

Mixed rice.

I cannot feel any flavor.

Same for the marinated clams. Even the green apple jelly

isn't in the same package.

The egg drop soup that they served recently

has been drained of its eggy goodness.

More than anything, there isn't enough.

What? That's odd.

What?

He usually eats with the same gusto that he sings.

He really loves it.

Isn't he the teacher?

Even teachers get hungry.

I cannot deny my disappointment.

However, there is no point in hesitating.

It's time!

Behold.

My black and glossy Wajima chopsticks.

Utensils themselves can transform flavor.

I can barely tell if there is any egg.

This is lacking.

This is just broth.

You! It's you!

Didn't you use to be plumper?

What? What happened to you?

This lacks the usual flavor.

Something is missing.

But I cannot tell what.

Rice used to be boiled.

In the mid-Edo period, the rice pot was invented and steaming became common.

At the time, people added beans and scallions

to make up for the small quantity of rice.

People realized the grace of these mixed rice dishes

and developed chicken rice and oyster rice.

Fukugawa rice

was a famous dish among fishermen that included oysters and clams.

I'm sorry for my criticism.

Even if the servings are small,

it is clearly much better than my mother's cooking.

Right. Don't ask for too much.

Next, the marinated oysters and clams.

The key is to steam the clams with sake.

What?

Matoba.

- Yes? - What are you doing?

Nothing.

It's gone.

What? What do you mean?

I knew it. It isn't enough for you either.

Maybe today's school meal wasn't so good.

Excuse me.

What is the spirit of school meal?

Mr. Amarida asked that.

Who knows?

Mr. Amarida is a simple man.

Our society likes to complicate

even the most simple of issues

that really aren't issues at all.

He is sensitive about that.

I understand children saying that.

But I think it is irresponsible for an adult to be like that.

Hey!

I still have him!

Green apple jelly!

What?

What?

Hey!

The spork.

Did you forget them?

We didn't even get spoons.

I guess we use chopsticks.

- I guess so. - Oh, man.

How can this be?

Even if just for one dish,

a spork was always provided!

What laziness!

What is their intention? School Meal Center!

Sour!

This is just gelatin.

No sweetness at all.

Half is frozen!

No small discoveries like that.

Dessert is meant to further enhance one's meal experience.

Even if that meal is lunch.

It is hard to say that today is completed.

What is he doing?

What?

That's Fukugawa rice!

Again!

Why didn't I notice it?

I was just referring to Fukugawa rice in my mind.

Today's rice dish was clearly missing something.

He realized that flavor was missing.

He decided to use

the flavor of the marinated clams to compensate.

It is a great work of addition.

He is showing off!

One more?

You! Do you realize what you are doing?

No!

That is...

a Fukugawa rice ball!

Could you give me one?

Yes. That one.

Fork over the Fukugawa rice!

That has got to be amazing!

You punk...

Today's school meal was not up to the normal level.

So he changed his plans once he saw that.

He designed a plan to make up

for the lack of flavor.

He also chose a rice ball

because it freed him of the bounds of utensils.

On the other hand, what was I doing?

I just complained about the lunch and blamed people for laziness.

I played the role of the angry victim.

I didn't do any work to craft my own lunch

that met my standards of taste.

I lost.

Completely.

However, I cannot accept

this school meal.

Even still, can I tell the students

not to eat this new school meal?

As a teacher, I should tell them to eat any lunch.

Even if

that is food I no longer recognize as school meal.

This is...

far too painful.

It didn't taste like it usually does.

The servings were also small.

I don't know about that.

I'm sorry.

I'll let you know if I hear anything.

Okay.

Sorry.

Mr. Amarida.

Did something happen?

Well...

He said today's school meal was strange.

I do feel like the trays were lighter than they usually are.

Did you notice anything?

Well...

I don't really care about lunch.

- Come now. - Excuse me.

He loves white-colored food, doesn't he?

White-colored food?

We say so in the kitchen.

He loves white rice and white milk.

He kept asking me if rice and milk

- were going to disappear. - Is it?

Of course not! We need those for school meals.

- That's right. - But

I feel responsible if the lunch was different than usual.

Hey.

- How are you? - Fine.

- Good morning. - Morning.

- What do you say? - Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

MIXED RICE, MARINATED OYSTERS EGG DROP SOUP, GREEN APPLE JELLY, MILK

COMPLETE

CURRY, RICE, SALAD ORANGE JELLY, MILK

Kamino. What are you doing?

Reviewing today's work.

Study at home.

Your exams are coming up.

Yes.

What is it?

Are you really okay with this?

What are you speaking of?

School meals!

What about school meals?

- It used to... - Kamino.

School meal is served each day.

What is the problem?

Schools are meant for study.

You are taking exams soon.

Yes.

Go home.

Are you okay?

What do you mean?

Nothing.

Exams are soon.

I need to do my best so I won't have regrets.

Excuse me.

It is almost the main event.

How are the students?

Ms. Munakata is working hard.

Is that right?

By the way, did something happen to her?

What do you mean?

A few months ago

I tried to introduce someone to Ms. Munakata.

Match-making?

Yes.

Match-making is a hobby of mine.

Just among teachers,

I have formed nine couples.

I introduced Ms. Munakata to an acquaintance in Hakodate City.

She was opposed to it at first.

I pushed her into meeting him.

When they met,

she found him a good man with an honest heart.

Things were really going well.

I thought I finally would reach double digits.

However, Ms. Munakata suddenly hit the brakes on it.

The man keeps asking for a response, but I don't know what to do.

Look.

Could you

ask her about that?

You don't mind asking blunt questions.

Please.

What should I ask her?

First, mention that Hakodate City is a really nice place.

Is she going to Hakodate City?

He is a junior high school teacher in Hakodate City.

They have a teacher shortage.

He can't come to this school.

Goodbye.

- Bye! - Goodbye!

- Goodbye! - Bye!

HIGH SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAM

WINTER, 1987

- Hey! - It's Kamino!

- How are you? - Long time no see!

- Kamino! - What?

- Are you taking the exam here? - Yes.

- Wow! - The same as us.

- Good luck! - Do your best.

- Later. - Bye.

Next month's menu is here.

- Thank you. - Here.

Here you are, Mr. Amarida.

- Here. - Thank you.

This...

What is this?

SCHOOL MEAL SCHEDULE

BARLEY RICE WILL NOW BE SERVED INSTEAD OF WHITE RICE

Barley rice will now be served instead of white rice.

- Mr. Amarida. - Will you

give this to the students?

I think they already have it.

- Unacceptable. - What?

- White-colored food! - What? White?

Kamino!

Kamino!

Kamino!

Stop!

Kamino!

Kamino!

How dare a junior high student

use a taxi?

KIBINAGO RIVER

The Center chair meeting is at nine.

Mr. Kaburagi will be attending.

- I don't know about Mr. Kaburagi. - Sanada.

- Don't you agree? - I do not.

Let's hurry up.

- Hey! - What are you doing?

- Let go of me. - What are you doing?

- Stop! - Let me go!

What is with you?

Please! Let me talk to the boss!

- I cannot do that. - What is the matter?

- He just barged in. - Do you work at the School Meal Center?

- Enough of this! - I have a question about the menu.

Menu?

Shouldn't you be in school? Where do you go?

I am Kamino, third-year at Kibinago Junior High.

You had a question about the menu?

The meeting is starting soon.

Could you tell me?

This is a graph of the food left over from school meals the past week.

It is clearly rising.

How did you find this data?

I had someone in the kitchen assist me.

Why?

In order to get back our yummy school meals.

- Get back? - I read in this month's menu

that you would be serving barley rice.

That is our plan.

Everyone is disappointed.

In any case,

I want to eat white rice.

- Barley rice is healthier. - The most important thing for health

is to eat delicious food.

Barley rice is delicious.

Barley rice has fiber, protein,

and lots of vitamins.

It is much better than white rice for you growing children.

You said you were in the third year at Kibinago, right?

Who is your teacher?

- Mr. Amarida. - What?

- Yomoda! - Yes?

Shall we hear what this boy has to say at the meeting?

But...

This is a precious opportunity to hear student views.

He seems to have plenty to say.

It would be my pleasure.

Please greet everyone.

I am Kamino, 3rd Year, Class 1 of Kibinago Junior High School.

- Today... - I hear

you have complaints about the new lunch.

Right?

These past few months, school meals have tasted strange.

I understand you want to make us eat healthier.

But I don't think school meal is just about health.

And what does that mean?

School meal is the happiest time of the school day.

You are a third-year in junior high.

Don't talk like you are in elementary school.

I can say this because I am a third-year. We don't have time.

No time? Don't be silly.

Your life just began.

My life's school meal is almost finished!

Please.

Allow me to finish eating my school meals.

Enough of this.

You are just being picky.

We adults shifted to a healthy menu because we think about your future.

However, you complain

instead of giving thanks. Unbelievable!

Is someone making you say these things?

For example, your teacher.

No.

I chose to come here.

Kamino!

Kamino!

We are in the middle of a meeting.

- Kamino. - Stop.

- What are you doing? - Stop him!

- No outsiders! - Stop!

Everyone.

What is this?

Are adults ganging up on this student?

Long time no see! Where's my greeting?

You don't deserve anything from me.

What?

So rude!

You once eliminated the school meal at a junior high school.

You sent a teacher who rebelled against you to another school.

You tried to eliminate it again but failed.

Now you changed the flavor.

This is nothing more

than a personal grudge against me.

Please don't make such unpleasant claims.

We must teach the students how to maintain their health.

School meal is not just nutrition.

If you think any meal will serve as long as it is healthy,

you don't understand the students' needs.

Are you just trying to please them?

The students won't eat food that doesn't taste good.

Why can't you realize such an obvious fact?

You make them eat!

That's your job as a teacher!

So you admit it doesn't taste good.

I want to ask all of you here.

Are you satisfied with serving the students

unpleasant meals that will mostly go untouched?

You can always avoid ramen shops with bad ramen.

But the children can't choose their School Meal Center!

If they must eat our meals,

we must provide them with something worthy of eating!

Can you say with confidence that you are doing that?

We cannot placate picky eating! We must focus on their health!

That is our main responsibility!

Your focus was getting rid of me!

Who are you to speak?

How dare you?

I shall admit this. There must be madness in school meals.

Milk and bread come with any main dish. Japanese and western styles are mixed.

Excessively oily. Oddly flavorful. Difficult to eat. Wildly sticky.

However, that is good.

Students accept the menu they are given

and find their own ways to eat it.

What the children really need

is curiosity and problem-solving skills.

You are the ones

who are placating the children.

Barley rice isn't bad,

but I cannot remain silent if you use health to ban white rice.

Is that all you have to say?

That is unbecoming of a teacher.

You sound like a thug who has a grudge over food.

Okay.

That's the end of this farce.

Take that student and leave!

What now?

You have an attitude problem!

Do you want to be transferred again?

Let go of me!

Let go.

A grudge over food won't be forgiven easily.

After all...

I love...

good school meals.

Let's go, Kamino.

- Mr. Amarida. - What?

I'm sorry.

Who rushes into a fight without a way to fight back?

Right.

You really

lose sight of everything once you get angry.

Yes.

However...

You were not wrong.

Yes.

- Excuse me! - Yes?

- Sir. - What is it?

I must comply with the policies of the center.

However,

I can see why you snuck into the tasting.

I feel I understand a little better

the true spirit of school meal that you spoke of.

Is that right?

I want to make delicious school meals.

Please do so.

Mr. Amarida.

Did you barge into the center too?

I wouldn't do such a thing.

- But... - Kamino.

Do you think kids should take taxis alone?

I'm sorry.

You're ten years too young for that.

Yes!

Tomorrow is graduation.

SPRING, 1987

I want to thank the third-year teachers for all of their hard work.

Third-year head teacher, Ms. Munakata, please say a few words.

Yes.

The students worked hard.

Thanks to all of your help, they finished their exams.

I would like to say thank you to each of you.

I am sure you felt pressure in your first year as grade head teacher.

However, you did a wonderful job. Thank you.

Also,

a new teacher will be coming next year.

From Oshigawa Junior High in Hakodate City,

math teacher, Yutaka Akimoto

will be transferring to our school.

As such,

one of our own will be taking his place.

Mr. Amarida will be going to Oshigawa Junior High.

I know this is very sudden,

but tomorrow will be Mr. Amarida's last day here.

- But... - Mr. Amarida. The floor is yours.

Right.

I was only here for a brief period of two years.

However, you all helped me greatly.

This was a sudden transfer,

but I shall do my best at my new workplace.

Explain this!

I can't understand.

What do you mean?

Why are you trading places with Akimoto?

It was a beneficial move for both of us.

He wanted to come here, while I wanted to go there.

That is all.

Was this the principal's idea?

At first.

But now I agree with it.

Is it because you said that to me?

The principal asked me

to check how you felt about Mr. Akimoto.

However, before that,

I wanted to check on this man.

If he were unsuitable,

I wouldn't even need to see how you felt.

I spoke with Mr. Akimoto

on the telephone.

Then...

- How was it? - Fun.

- Fun? - Yes.

I confirmed that his feelings for you are true.

How can you know that?

For example, I asked him

what he would do if a restaurant served you a dish with ingredients you hate.

He said he would eat those ingredients for you.

- What does that mean? - Those words

told me that he was true to you.

I don't get your logic!

Even if one bears true feelings,

it can be hard to recognize from far distances.

So...

I thought of the ultimate plan.

I would trade places with him.

Why did you need to go?

As long as I remain here,

the flavor of school meals in this school is under threat.

What?

If I leave,

the yummy school meals of the past shall return.

Why do you think so?

This is truly

a win-win situation.

You really

only think about school meals.

For me, today is

my last school meal in this place.

Excuse me.

Wait.

Yes?

The lady at the candy shop told me you were drunk that time.

I'm so sorry about that.

I was completely fooled.

I don't know what to say.

But

I was a little happy.

I'm so sorry.

I'll accept your words

as they are.

But...

Even if you go to Hakodate City, please don't forget

that I accepted them.

What about your marriage?

I just accepted what you said.

Even if you were drunk,

you would still tell the truth.

That was the first time that you

really complimented me.

I hope your last school meal

is a good one.

Yes.

- Here we go. - Yes!

3RD YEAR, CLASS 1

This is...

This is...

I want to make delicious school meals.

For a last meal,

this is the best.

Mr. Amarida.

You can't cut in line.

- That isn't fair. - Right.

You've done it,

School Meal Center.

- Let me see! - Stop!

Greenery lines the windows of learning

Healthy blood pumping

Charge forward powerfully

Grow together

We are Kibinago Junior High

Oh, Kibinago Junior High

Kibinago Junior High School

The river of our hometown flows briskly

A true heart, purely

Charge forward powerfully

Shine together

We are Kibinago Junior High

Oh, Kibinago Junior High

Kibinago Junior High School

Please put your hands together.

Three, two, one.

- Thank you for this meal. - Thank you for this meal.

- Thank you for this meal. - Thank you for this meal.

Thank you for this meal.

Look.

There is one leftover roll cake.

Lucky

Can we play rock, paper, scissors for it?

I want to play!

- Me too! - Me too!

- Rock, paper, scissors, shoot! - Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!

- Shoot! - Shoot!

- Shoot! - Shoot!

- Shoot! - Shoot!

- Shoot! - Shoot!

- Shoot! - Shoot!

- Shoot! - Shoot!

- Shoot! - Shoot!

- Shoot! - Shoot!

- Shoot! - Shoot!

- Shoot! - Shoot!

- Shoot! - Shoot!

Yes!

Two hundred meals a year.

That is 1,800 meals over the nine years of compulsory education.

This is the last one for them.

I have been a teacher for 12 years.

I have eaten 4,215 school meals total.

A special lunch is always served before graduation.

It is the final meal of celebration.

I had given up hope for a fitting meal this year.

However, God did not forsake me.

Behold this dazzling grand finale.

Today's menu

is the king of school meals, fitting of this last meal.

Curry and rice.

A side of the demon king of meat, hamburger.

Wakame seaweed soup to warm the soul.

The usual bottled milk. Finally, fluffy strawberry roll cake

that could decorate any birthday party table.

Perfect.

You did good work this year.

The hero of Japanese dining tables.

Little spork!

This is our final battle together.

Where should I start?

The standard practice is to slowly spoon the curry onto the rice.

However, there is an approach to add rice to the curry instead.

This is the first time such an obvious duo has come together.

I am lucky just to have two different options.

There is also a hamburger today.

They are tempting us to make hamburger curry.

I wonder what he...

No!

No distractions.

I should just eat it as I want.

Today, I would like to dip spoonfuls of rice

into the curry.

Since it is my final meal,

I would like to savor each bite.

This is the sign of an adult.

Delicious.

Rice topped with curry is good too,

but this reversed rice curry has its own charm.

Next.

I have you today! Little one!

Ta-da! Hamburger!

Eating a bite of meat and rice is such a joy!

What a delight!

What?

I see. That's right.

You are always so proper.

That's for the best.

Children should remain pure. Adults who lost that purity

are forced to think up little tricks.

They then act superior of their clever idea.

Adults think deeply and laugh at the simple ideas of children.

However, they are blind to the fact that they are growing farther from the truth.

I am done

with detours.

It's time!

Thank you for this meal.

Thank you for this meal.

It's completed.

- Goodbye! - Bye!

- Bye! - Bye-bye!

Bye!

Excuse me.

- Sir! Hello. - Hello.

- Great work. - Thank you.

Kamino came to say goodbye earlier.

He said thank you for three years of hard work.

- Is that so? - Yes.

It is sad to see him go.

I forgot to mention it, but tomorrow is my last day too.

What?

I am being transferred to Hakodate City.

Hakodate City?

Why again?

Thank you for everything.

Just a minute!

Sir!

Read this.

I want you to read this.

What is a delicious school meal to you?

Your favorite curry or ramen.

Spaghetti or yakisoba.

You may think of those dishes.

However, you can eat that food at home too.

Why do they taste better as school meals?

I didn't like school meal when I was a child.

There was an emphasis on finishing meals then.

Even if we didn't have much time,

we were scolded if we didn't eat everything.

Food was precious, so it was unacceptable to have leftovers.

That is logical, but

I still don't like this mindset.

That is why I don't remember

how school meals tasted then.

We had to eat quickly so that we could clean up before class.

That's all I thought about.

In order to enjoy a meal,

the environment is important.

School meal is supposed to be fun.

After all, school meal is the first time children eat out

without their parents.

I chose to work at the School Meal Center

to create that environment for you all.

I strongly hope that you all

enjoy school meals.

GRADUATION FINISHED MEAL

Something happened recently to remind me of this.

Environments are not easy to change.

But I hope that

we can help contribute to your health and happiness.

I hope that you all can eat delicious school meals.

Congratulations on passing.

Thank you.

I know your motives.

- Motives? - You want to become a teacher

and continue eating school meals.

- Was it obvious? - Yes.

Same as you.

Don't lump me in with you.

That isn't the only reason.

What do you mean?

After I become a teacher, I will try to join the Board of Education.

I will protect school meals across Japan.

I want you to always be able to eat delicious school meals.

I look forward to that.

I heard you are leaving this school too.

Yes. I am going to Hakodate City in April.

Hakodate City?

That is far away.

Although, they have squid rice there.

Squid rice?

- Amazing. - Sorry.

You won't be having any school meals for a while.

I will work hard to come back soon.

Take a seat.

Okay.

A parting gift.

I'm glad.

I was going to do the same thing if I won.

Is that right?

I am glad I met you.

Me too.

Thank you for this meal.

You...

Yes.

That really looks delicious.

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES

KIBINAGO JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Subtitle translation by James Burns

THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION.

ANY SIMILARITY TO NAMES, CHARACTERS, AND BUSINESSES ARE PURELY COINCIDENTAL

THEORIES PRESENTED IN THIS WORK MAY NOT BE ACCORDING TO FACT.

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