The beginning of a new academic year sees dark-suited Freshmen students in Japan welcomed into their universities with formal ceremonies, orientation functions and shared luncheons.
On such occasions, the food and drink is simple, and mostly nutritious. Beverages (non-alcoholic, since in Japan the drinking age is 20, and most Freshmen are still in their teens), may include various types of cold tea (with or without milk and sugar), and a range of sodas (for example green melon-flavoured Fanta, CC Lemon, or Ginger Ale), and 'Calpis' an unfortunately named, uncarbonated, milky-looking liquid concoction, that resembles thin, runny acidophilus yoghurt. Definitely an acquired taste! There's usually no coffee in sight (unless it comes from a nearby vending machine).
Along with platters of savoury food, such as takoyaki, and chicken meatballs on skewers (called tsukune), there may be large bento boxes of sushi, bowls of soba noodles with veges., and dishes covered with mini-'sandos' (sandwiches).
To finish there may also be fruit segments and a limited range of small sweet treats such as those pictured below.
This eye-catching blue and white plate bears a sample of some of the sorts of cakes that may be provided as welcoming 'first day' fare. The flavours in these bite-sized sponge rolls include some traditional Japanese favourites, such as red bean and matcha (green tea).
Oishii! (Delicious!)
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