New Zealand Travel 52 Day 13−2 — Food Memories: Family History and My Values

Kanon
March 25, 2026, 09:43

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1. Daily Life and Cultural Differences

Every day, I observe my grandchildren and my son’s family living in New Zealand, and I strongly feel the differences in culture and values. For example, the crusts of bread. Even in my generation, some people might leave them uneaten. However, in my case, I was raised listening to stories from my parents, especially my mother and grandmother, about food shortages and poverty during the war. Those experiences naturally instilled in me a deep respect for food.

My mother lost her own father during the war. After that, she and her siblings (one boy and five girls) were raised by their grandmother alone. During the war, my mother’s eldest sister died when a bomb fell while she was walking to a friend’s house to return a book; her body was never found. My grandmother (my mother’s mother) could not recover from the loss for some time. The second daughter (my mother’s second eldest sister) had to start working early, and my uncle (my mother’s only brother) was very talented but could not attend university and had to work instead. My grandmother raised her children alone while facing societal pressures and wartime restrictions, enduring many hardships.

When my mother’s father (my grandfather) passed away during the war, he was mourned using a form called “Zakan” (sitting in the coffin). Normally, the deceased would be laid down, but due to circumstances at the time, they had no choice but to place him seated in the coffin. In short, it was because of financial constraints. My mother, as a child, asked, “Why is Father sitting?” and the reply was, “There’s no money.” Modern readers might find this hard to understand, but it was the reality of the time.

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2. Lessons on the Importance of Food

From such family history, I learned the importance of food. I still remember when the second daughter (my mother’s second eldest sister) came to help at our home. After finishing her meal, she prepared the rice cooker to wash it, and some rice floated in the water. Normally, one would discard it, but she scooped it up with a strainer and ate it alone. I thought, “That’s not necessary,” but it was a vivid reminder of how precious food can be.

These experiences became the foundation of my personal value: to eat all the food without leaving anything behind.

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3. Comparing with Modern Life and Cultural Differences

So, when I see my grandchildren leaving the crusts of their bread, I sometimes think, “What a waste.” But I keep my thoughts to myself and simply observe. They have their own values, and there is no need to impose mine. The way they and my son’s family live is natural within their own culture, and it deserves respect.

In Japan, too, it is now common to remove the crusts from sandwiches and lunch packs. In other words, leaving the crust is not unusual even in Japan, depending on the culture and era. I remain an observer, keeping my own sense of value intact—that is the best I can do for now.

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4. Thoughts on the World and Feeling Powerless

At the same time, my thoughts extend to the realities of the world. Even today, many people suffer from war and poverty, struggling to find enough to eat. What I can do is small donations, but taking real action is not easy. Participating in programs like the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers might be one way, but it is not a practical solution for me. Sometimes I ask myself: what can one human being truly do?

Even small events at home—the crusts of bread, the behavior of my grandchildren—serve as reminders to reflect on my values and the vastness and unfairness of the world.

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5. Observation, Acceptance, and Small Actions

There are three lessons I have learned from this family experience:
1. Respect family values
Accept and observe without interference.
2. Preserve your own values
Uphold the importance of food and the principles inherited from family members who survived before and during the war.
3. Channel concern for the world into small actions
Even when feeling powerless, engage as much as possible through small donations or gaining awareness.

By avoiding conflict at home while valuing my own principles and keeping awareness of the world, I have found quiet but meaningful learning.

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6. Insights from Everyday Life

Everyday moments—my grandchildren’s smiles, the crusts of bread, casual conversations—give me opportunities to reflect on my values and the world.

Even without speaking out or causing conflict, organizing my thoughts and putting them into words brings calm and peace of mind. Being mindful of both family and the wider world, daily life and personal values, is my way of living in the present.

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#FamilyMemories #WarExperience #ValueOfFood #CulturalDifferences #ShowaEraStories #FormationOfValues #LifeAndFood