Category: Japan

According to the OECD, as of 2009, only about 3.5% of the Japanese population was classified as obese, highlighting a significant cultural and lifestyle difference compared to Western countries. This reality raises many questions for foreigners or visitors about what if you are overweight in Japan and the societal norms and expectations that come with it.

While some might assume a vegetarian's journey through Japan is a culinary minefield, a 2024 study showed that Tokyo alone had over 900 restaurants registered with vegetarian or vegan options. So, can a vegetarian survive in Japan? Absolutely, but navigating the heavy reliance on fish stock requires strategy.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was first invented by a Japanese scientist in 1966, providing a cheaper alternative to sugar. While some assume Japan's diet avoids this sweetener, its use is widespread and legal, especially within the processed food and beverage industry. This article clarifies the regulations and market landscape of HFCS in Japan.

According to a 2023 study by Koeeru, approximately 2% of the Japanese population identifies as vegetarian. This figure is notably lower than in many Western countries and varies between surveys, reflecting a complex culinary landscape and the nuanced question of how much percent of Japan is vegetarian in practice.

Japan's calorie-based food self-sufficiency rate stood at just 38% in fiscal 2021, one of the lowest among developed countries. This statistic is central to understanding the complex answer to the question, "Is there food scarcity in Japan?", as it reveals a deep-seated reliance on global supply chains that recent events have shown can be vulnerable.

Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates in the developed world, with an estimated less than **4%** of the population classified as obese (BMI $\ge$ 30). This leads many to ask, **is it hard to get fat in Japan?** The answer involves a complex interplay of diet, daily habits, and cultural norms.

Japanese cuisine, while delicious, heavily features ingredients like wheat and soy that can be challenging for those with dietary restrictions. Navigating a trip requires careful planning, but it is entirely possible to eat gluten and dairy free in Japan and enjoy its culinary delights safely with the right preparation.

According to World Bank data, 3.8% of Japan's population experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2020, challenging the perception of universal prosperity. The number of people who are food insecure in Japan is often underestimated, with recent economic and social shifts revealing a growing problem affecting vulnerable populations like children and single-parent households.