ABC Soup in Japanese School Lunch: History & Secrets
Still Popular! The Legendary School Lunch Menu

The Deep World of
ABC Soup

Clear consommé soup with dancing alphabet macaroni.
Why does it capture children's hearts so much?
We unravel its regional differences, history, and nutritional balance.

Get the Recipe ↗
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Fun to Eat

The fun of finding one's own initials stimulates the appetite of children who dislike vegetables.

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Nutritional Treasure

Contrary to its simple appearance, it contains a good balance of many vegetables and carbohydrates.

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Regional Specialty?

It has taken root as "soul food" mainly in Gunma, Tochigi, and Kanagawa prefectures.

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History of School Lunch and ABC Soup

From the post-war skim milk era to modern food education.
We uncover when ABC soup appeared and how it has been loved.

Anatomy of ABC Soup

Why do children prefer this?
Interactively explore the key to its taste and the secret of its nutritional balance.

Standard Ingredient Ratio (by Weight)

*Estimated values based on general school lunch recipes

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Select an Ingredient

Click on the pie chart on the left or select an ingredient from the list below to see its role and nutritional value.

Key Nutrient

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The Secret of Popularity in Data

We visualize its position in the "Favorite School Lunch Ranking" and differences in awareness by region.
It boasts immense popularity in specific areas like Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture.

ABC Soup Awareness/Frequency (Regional Image)

💡 Insight: The frequency of provision tends to be very high in the northern Kanto region (especially Gunma and Tochigi Prefectures). In recent years, it is being revived nationwide as a "nostalgic taste."

Soup Category Popularity Ranking Trends

💡 Insight: It always competes for the top spot with corn potage and wonton soup. Support from lower elementary school grades is overwhelmingly high.
Simulation

Virtual ABC Soup Experience

Do you have memories of searching for your initials with a spoon during school lunch time?
Move your mouse (or finger) in the soup bowl below to find the letters.

Found: A
Letters Found: 0

Trivia: What is the ratio of letters?

Actual ABC macaroni does not contain all letters evenly due to the manufacturing process.
However, that "rare feeling" cultivates children's inquiring minds.