Do Japanese People Eat Ice Cream When Sick?

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

While anecdotal reports suggest some Japanese people consume ice cream when they have a cold or sore throat, traditional Japanese remedies often focus on warm, nourishing foods like okayu rice porridge and ginger tea. This practice contrasts with other Japanese cultural beliefs that advise against consuming cold foods when ill. The truth is more nuanced, involving personal preference and specific symptoms.

Quick Summary

The practice of eating ice cream while sick in Japan is not a universal tradition, with cultural attitudes and personal choices shaping the approach to illness and diet. Traditional remedies like warm porridge and tea are common, while some individuals may use ice cream to soothe a sore throat, conflicting with other folk remedies.

Key Points

Not a Universal Tradition: Eating ice cream when sick is not a traditional Japanese remedy, despite some anecdotal claims; it is a modern, personal choice for some.
Traditional Remedies Focus on Warmth: Traditional Japanese remedies for illness typically favor warm, nourishing foods like okayu (rice porridge), miso soup, and hot ginger tea.
Cultural Beliefs Influence Food Choices: Some traditional beliefs suggest avoiding cold foods when sick to maintain internal balance and avoid worsening symptoms, as illness is seen as a 'cold' imbalance in the body.
Okayu is a Staple: Okayu, a mild and easy-to-digest rice porridge, is a staple comfort food served to Japanese people who are feeling unwell.
Honey and Daikon is a Popular Remedy: Hachimitsu-daikon (honey and daikon radish syrup) is a well-known home remedy used to soothe coughs and sore throats.
Ice Cream is Used for Symptom Relief: For those who do consume ice cream, it is often for temporary symptom relief, such as soothing a sore throat, rather than a primary healing practice.
Kampo Medicine Supports Holistic Health: The traditional Japanese Kampo medicine system emphasizes warming the body and restoring internal energy (Qi), which aligns with the preference for hot foods during illness.

A Blend of Modern and Traditional Healing

In Japan, a person's approach to illness can be a blend of traditional folk remedies and modern, individual preferences. When a fever or sore throat hits, the immediate comfort sought is not always ice cream. Many Japanese families turn to time-tested remedies passed down through generations. These traditional methods are often rooted in Chinese medicine and focus on warming the body and promoting internal balance, a concept known as Qi (or 'ki' in Japanese).

Traditional Japanese Remedies for Colds and Sore Throats

For centuries, Japanese home medicine has centered on soothing and warming the body from the inside out. Some of the most common and effective remedies include:

Okayu (Rice Porridge): This mild, easily digestible porridge is a staple comfort food for anyone feeling unwell. It is gentle on a sensitive stomach and helps replenish energy. Toppings like umeboshi (pickled plum) or ginger are often added for extra flavor and purported health benefits.
Shoga-yu (Hot Ginger Tea): A mix of fresh grated ginger and honey in hot water is a popular choice for soothing sore throats and providing warmth. Ginger is valued for its anti-inflammatory properties, while honey adds sweetness and has antimicrobial effects.
Hachimitsu-Daikon (Honey and Daikon Radish): This is a time-tested cough and throat syrup. Chopped daikon radish is soaked in honey, creating a syrup believed to help dissolve and expel mucus due to the radish's special enzymes.
Umeboshi (Pickled Plums): Known for their potent medicinal qualities, umeboshi are believed to have an alkalizing effect on the body and aid in digestion. They can be consumed alone or added to okayu or hot tea for an immune-boosting kick.

The Ice Cream Debate: A Modern Phenomenon

The idea of eating ice cream to soothe a sore throat is more of a modern, personal choice than a deep-rooted Japanese tradition. It is a practice shared in many Western countries and has found its way into Japan through cultural exchange. For some, the cooling sensation provides temporary relief from throat pain. However, there is a counter-tradition that cautions against consuming cold foods and drinks when sick.

Reasons Behind the Conflicting Ideas

Soothing a Sore Throat: For some Japanese individuals, especially younger generations or those influenced by Western media, the appeal of a soft, cold treat like vanilla ice cream for a sore throat is purely based on physical comfort. The cooling effect can momentarily numb the irritated area.
Traditional Beliefs Against Cold Foods: Conversely, traditional beliefs in Japan, influenced by concepts from Chinese medicine, suggest that a cold or fever is caused by an imbalance where coldness has entered the body. Therefore, introducing more cold into the system, especially through food and drink, could worsen the condition or cause an upset stomach.
Appetite and Comfort: For someone with a diminished appetite due to illness, ice cream can be an easy way to get some calories. However, many prefer the warmth and gentle nature of okayu for this purpose.

Comparison Table: Sickness Foods - Traditional vs. Modern Choices


Feature	Traditional Japanese Comfort Food (Okayu)	Modern/Western-Influenced Choice (Ice Cream)
Effect on Body	Warms the body, easy to digest, nutrient-rich	Cools the throat temporarily, can cause digestive upset
Primary Purpose	Nourishment, internal balance, settling the stomach	Symptom relief (sore throat), satisfying a craving
Key Ingredients	Rice, water, sometimes ginger or umeboshi	Dairy, sugar, flavoring
Cultural Context	Rooted in long-standing holistic health practices	Influenced by Western culture, personal preference
Typical Symptoms	General malaise, low appetite, sensitive stomach	Sore throat, fever

Why The Japanese Prioritize Warmth When Sick

The cultural preference for warm foods and drinks when ill extends beyond simply comforting the body. The practice is linked to a holistic approach to health. For instance, Kampo, the traditional Japanese medicine system, often uses medicinal herbs to restore the flow of internal energy. Warm teas, soups, and porridge are seen as a natural way to support this process and help the body heal from within, rather than just alleviating symptoms. Furthermore, the emphasis on hydration, often in the form of hot green tea or warm water, is a core part of managing a cold.

Conclusion

So, do Japanese people eat ice cream when sick? Some might, especially for temporary relief from a sore throat, but it is not a universally accepted traditional remedy. The cultural preference leans heavily towards warm, nourishing foods like okayu, ginger tea, and pickled plums, which align with holistic healing principles. These traditional methods focus on providing internal warmth, restoring balance, and offering gentle, easily digestible nutrients to aid recovery. While personal habits may include a cold treat, the deep-rooted cultural wisdom in Japan points towards comforting warmth as the best medicine. For those interested in traditional Japanese wellness, exploring remedies like okayu or shoga-yu offers a deeper understanding of this cultural approach. You can learn more about specific traditional Japanese remedies here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Okayu is a traditional Japanese rice porridge made from rice and water, and is a staple comfort food for Japanese people when they are sick because it is gentle on the stomach and easy to digest.

According to some traditional Japanese beliefs influenced by Chinese medicine, eating cold food and drinks like ice cream when sick is cautioned against, as it could worsen symptoms related to phlegm and inflammation.

Okayu (rice porridge) is often considered the Japanese equivalent of chicken soup, as it is a mild, nourishing dish served to comfort those who are sick.

Hachimitsu-daikon is a natural, Japanese home remedy made by steeping diced daikon radish in honey. The resulting syrup is used to treat coughs and soothe sore throats.

While individual practices vary, traditional Japanese wisdom would advise against it, preferring warm remedies. However, some children, influenced by modern culture, may be given ice cream for a sore throat.

Yes, Japanese pharmacies sell traditional and modern medicines for sore throats. One well-known herbal remedy is Ryukakusan, which has been used in Japan for over 200 years.

Some believe that illness is caused by an imbalance of hot and cold, and consuming cold foods like ice cream can disrupt the body's balance, potentially worsening symptoms like coughing and phlegm.

Tamago-zake is a traditional Japanese folk remedy for a cold, made by heating sake, a raw egg, and honey. It is consumed before bed to induce sleep and is believed to aid in recovery.