I still dream of the school lunch.

As an American, it was one of the coolest experiences of my life.

Funny enough, this was actually the same elementary school that she attended as a kid.

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I still dream of the school lunch.

Looking back on it, I’m not exactly sure how this was all allowed.

3.Everyone was required to wear the same backpacks.

4.Everyone walked to and from school without their parents.

Five children smiling and posing together, two making peace signs

5.Students ate lunch in their classrooms and helped serve meals.

6.The lunch was extremely delicious.

7.Everyone was required to wear gym uniforms during P.E.

Map showing multiple locations with focus on Mukodai Elementary School amidst Tokyo area map

8.There was a pool, and everyone had to have their names sewn onto their uniforms.

9.You weren’t allowed to bring snacks or toys to school.

10.Sometimes, there was school on Saturdays.

Five children standing outside a building, smiling and making peace signs

12.Students had to clean their classrooms every day.

13.There were big communal sinks everywhere.

14.There were extracurricular clubs that everyone took part in after school.

Group of children posing playfully in front of a building

15.And finally, everyone was required to change into their indoor shoes upon entering the school.

Teacher and students engaging in a classroom activity at desks

Group of children raising hands in a classroom setting

Four students with backpacks running joyfully in a schoolyard

Group of schoolchildren with masks crossing the street safely at a pedestrian crosswalk

Two children in chef hats and aprons are serving milk cartons at a school

Photo of a traditional Japanese breakfast with various dishes and a milk carton on a tray. Text in image is promotional content

Japanese meal with text bubbles; soup, salad, milk

Instructor with face mask standing before seated students in schoolyard, gesturing

Group of children in swim caps smiling and waving at the camera, suggesting a friendly or welcoming travel-related event

Empty classroom with desks, a blackboard, and a wall clock, suggesting a possible educational tour

Playground with a swing and climbing structure in front of a multi-story motel during daytime

Group of children joyfully jumping in the air at a park, expressing freedom and happiness, signifying the joys of travel

Students participate in cleaning a classroom with brooms and cloths

A young child washes hands at a public sink, highlighting hygienic practices while traveling

Children in sportswear running in a relay race, exemplifying active travel experiences

Child putting shoes in cubbyhole at a traditional Japanese inn, showcasing cultural etiquette

Illustration of diverse people celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with vibrant cultural elements