Tag: Meiji era

According to the Japan Dairy Industry Association, milk and dairy consumption in Japan is substantially lower than in many Western countries, challenging a common perception. This dispels the notion that Japanese drink lots of milk, revealing a more nuanced relationship with dairy.

While milk is a staple in many Western countries, Japan's per capita consumption is significantly lower, representing just one-third of levels seen in the UK or the US. The reasons behind this trend are a complex blend of genetic predispositions, deep-seated cultural traditions, and historical influences that have shaped the Japanese diet for centuries.

Despite the misconception that Japanese people never drank milk, historical records show that dairy was introduced to the imperial court as early as the 6th century. However, it was centuries before milk became a common part of the national diet, largely due to cultural taboos and logistical challenges.

Historians note that for over 1,200 years, a strict ban on eating meat, influenced by Buddhism, prevented most Japanese people from consuming dairy, addressing a key reason why did the Japanese not drink milk. This deep-rooted cultural aversion was compounded by agricultural practices and biological factors that made dairy consumption impractical and unpleasant for the majority.