As perceptions about the lifestyle of the Japanese, especially regarding food, often generate misconceptions. Many believe that the characteristic thinness of the population and the fact that Japan is an island that imports a good part of its products indicate that the Japanese eat little or that food in the country is absurdly expensive. But does this view reflect reality?
Actually, food in Japan is complex and full of nuances. It is not limited to minimal consumption, nor is it dominated by exorbitant prices that restrict people's access to a good diet. Let's analyze some points that influence this view, but that can be misinterpreted if not adequately contextualized.
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The Price of Food in Japan
The cost of food in Japan is one of the factors most often used to justify the impression that Japanese people eat little. However, this perspective overlooks a crucial detail: the country's economy. Comparing prices in Japan directly with those of other countries without considering the average salary and purchasing power distorts reality.
For those living in Japan, the cost of food is quite balanced in relation to the average income. For example, while items like beef or cheese can be relatively expensive, Japan offers a huge diversity of affordable meals. Restaurants are spread on every corner, ranging from sophisticated options to places where one can have lunch for extremely low prices. In fact, it is common for Japanese people to eat out, taking advantage of the wide range of options, such as the famous yakiniku, where an all-you-can-eat option can be surprisingly affordable.
During a trip to Japan, even items considered expensive, such as cheese and ham, do not represent an insurmountable problem for most inhabitants. One example is the typical 日本の朝食, which is not modest at all. It can include rice, fish, vegetables, and even proteins like ham and eggs. These examples reinforce that, although prices may seem high for tourists, the cost of food is proportional to income and allows for a varied diet.
Smaller Portions: A Lifestyle
Another factor that might create the idea that Japanese people eat little is the size of food product portions. Indeed, many products in Japan are packaged in small quantities. This is not an issue of scarcity, but rather of convenience and food culture. Japanese people have the habit of consuming small portions throughout the day, maintaining a balanced eating pattern.
Additionally, this division into smaller portions aims to prevent food waste and prolong the freshness of the products. Convenience stores, known as konbini, are ubiquitous in Japan and offer meals, snacks, and beverages for every taste. Vending machines, which sell everything from iced tea to hot coffee, ensure that the Japanese can constantly feed themselves without needing to stock large quantities of food at home.
Separating food into different bowls also contributes to this impression. A traditional 日本の食事 can include rice, soup, vegetables, and protein, each in its individual container. For those not accustomed to it, this may seem like a "smaller" meal, but it is actually a way to savor a variety of flavors and textures without excess.
The Role of Meat and the Japanese Diet
The consumption of meat in Japan is a matter of cultural preference and, to some extent, economic. Although beef is expensive, the Japanese diet has historically been based on fish, seafood, and pork, which are cheaper and more readily available. This preference is reflected in popular dishes, such as sushi and tonkatsu (fried pork cutlets).
Curiously, even with the high price of beef, it is not hard to see Japanese people enjoying barbecues at yakiniku restaurants. In addition, the options for fish are vast and often affordable. The idea that Japanese people eat little because of the price of meat overlooks the variety of accessible protein sources and the abundance of healthy foods available.
Generally, overeating that leads to obesity is a global problem. In Japan, there are cases of obesity, especially in children and young people, influenced by the increase in the consumption of processed foods. However, the traditional Japanese diet is rich in vegetables, fish, and low-fat foods. Thus, the impression that Japanese people eat little or in a limited way is more of a myth than a fact.
Conclusion
The reality of the Japanese diet is complex and full of particularities. Even with smaller portions and products packaged in reduced quantities, the Japanese enjoy a variety of foods and flavors throughout the day. The notion that food is expensive or that the diet is restrictive does not hold when considering the cultural context, the economy, and the rich gastronomic diversity that Japan offers.
