Japan
Project Research:
Jackson GilmanBrady TriolaIan LillyWebsite Creation:
Ian Lilly
Japanese Food Culture
From traditional rice to fancy sushi, Japan has it all. The history of Japanese food begins after the cultivation of rice on many of the Japanese islands. Japan, having little land area, cannot exports lots of food since they cannot grow lots of food. Instead, they import tons of exotic dishes and uses their technological advantages to exports other goods and services. Despite this, Japan has some of the best variety of food and meals in the world.
Food in Japan, the Past and Present
Pre-Columbian
Seafood was prominent, since the introduction of Buddhism caused avoidance of killing birds and deer. Traditional rice and soup emerged during this time period.
Post-Columbian
Domestication of land animals introduced by explorers created new food possibilities, but also brought along new diseases.
Current food
Today, lots of vegetables and greens are grown and exported (upwards of $3 Billion USD in 2013). While meat is the largest import (almost $60 Billion USD)
Distinguishing Aspects of Japanese Food
The good
The Japanese diet consists of more fresh fish than red meat, as well as vegetables and a wide variety of seafood. This creates a low-calorie, but highly nutritious diet. Many contribute the Japanese high life-expectancy (the highest in the world) to this consistent diet.
The bad
Nothing is inherently bad about Japanese food. however, table manners and eating rules are HUGE in Japan, so much so that you could be kicked out of houses and restaurants if proper procedure is not followed. Customs and Traditions in Japan alter the way food is both served and eaten.
Food culture , identity and politics
Culture & Identity
Japanese culture evolved around rice. Many Shinto rituals are centered around rice cycles, both in planting and harvesting. Rice is served at almost every meal, and rice is Japan's largest export.
Food & Politics
The Food Safety Basic Law, Food Sanitation Law, Japan Agricultural Standards Law, and Health Promotion law are all restrictions and regulations on Japan's imports to protect their natural foodstuffs.
How Food affects Economics, Health, and Climate
Economics
Since Japan has little arable land compared to its population, it cannot grow enough wheat, soybeans, or other major crops to feed all its citizens. Resulting in lots of Japan's food being imported from other countries.
Health
The traditional Japanese diet focuses on whole, minimally processed, nutrient-rich, seasonal foods. It's particularly rich in seafood, vegetables, and fruit, and limits meat, dairy, and snacks. It may improve digestion, aid weight management, help you live longer, and protect against various diseases.
Climate
Japan is heavily dependent on it's fishing industry and hence a change in climate can lead to changes in the fish that they eat. Changes in the climate could make certain fish less abundant and/or change the size of the fish.
Right picture sourced from: DailyMail.com
Ethical Analysis
Looking in from the outside, It is hard to see just how important imported foods are for Japan. Although the United States imports more food per capita, the Japanese do not have the same agricultural production. Thinking Consequentially, the importation of food preserves citizen happiness and lowers suffering. Deontologically, the intention of giving citizen's more food drives the government's actions, as well as being a universal aid to all citizens. Care Ethics could drive government action because the government cares more about it's citizens then growing cities and infrastructure. finally, Virtue Ethics tells us that providing food improves living situations, creating Eudaimonia. All of these ethical theories can explain why Japan imports so much food and keeps a large percentage of produce.
Find all our sources here:
The Bad:Guide, Japan. “Japanese Table Manners.” Japan Travel and Living Guide, 2021, www.japan-guide.com/e/e2005.html.
Culture & Identity: Bestor, Theodore, and Victoria Bestor. “Cuisine and Identity in Contemporary Japan.” Association for Asian Studies, 26 Aug. 2020, www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/cuisine-and-identity-in-contemporary-japan/.
Food & Politics: Christopher, Riker. “Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Report.” United States Department of Agriculture, 2018, apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/report/downloadreportbyfilename?filename=Food%20and%20Agricultural%20Import%20Regulations%20and%20Standards%20Report_Tokyo_Japan_2-5-2019.pdf.Economics:Author, No. “Japan's Falling Food Self-Sufficiency.” The Japan Times, 2019, www.japantimes.co.jp/opinion/2019/08/20/editorials/japans-falling-food-self-sufficiency/.
Health:Petre, Alina. “What Is the Japanese Diet Plan? All You Need to Know.” Healthline, 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/japanese-diet.
Climate: Alberts, Elizabeth. “Climate Change Makes Some Fish Smaller, and Others Bigger, Study Finds.” Mongabay Environmental News, 29 Apr. 2020, news.mongabay.com/2020/04/climate-change-makes-some-fish-smaller-and-others-bigger-study-finds/.
