Abstract:This article explores the early history of nutrition science and nutritional activism in Japan, 1920–40, focusing on the role of the Imperial Government Institute for Nutrition (IGIN). I argue that the IGIN, the world's first government-sponsored nutrition institute, was a manifestation and key instrument of Japan's state-led program of national nutrition as civilization and national defense. The IGIN's successes in science and dietary reform were viewed as a triumph, an indication that Japan had surpassed the West in the most fundamentally modern and rational of pursuits, science—and specifically nutrition science, a critical technology of nation building.

中文翻译：

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营养作为国防：日本帝国政府营养研究所，1920-1940

摘要：本文探讨了 1920-40 年日本营养科学和营养行动主义的早期历史，重点关注帝国政府营养研究所 (IGIN) 的作用。我认为 IGIN 是世界上第一个由政府资助的营养研究所，是日本国家主导的国家营养计划的体现和关键工具，即文明和国防。IGIN 在科学和饮食改革方面的成功被视为胜利，表明日本在最基本的现代和理性追求、科学——特别是营养科学——国家建设的关键技术方面已经超越了西方。