Japanese Kitchens Revealing American Bad Habits

   
     Japan, well known for its rich tradition of cultural cuisine is witnessing an Americanization effect in the kitchens at home. More and more homemakers are opting for the quick fix when it comes to family dinner rather than slaving away for hours to prepare a traditional Japanese meal that requires a lengthy preparation time as well as numerous dishes to be cleaned for each course.
     This phenomenon is having a two-headed affect inside the Japanese home. Most notably, Japanese children are suffering from malnutrition at alarming rates because of the lack of vegetables being served in the home as well as other adverse effects tied into a poor diet.

     "The amount of vegetables served (in the Japanese home) has been dwindling at an alarming rate," writes Iwamura. "Even when they are served, it is one or two cherry tomatoes, a few slices of cucumber, a lettuce leaf. . . . Over 40 percent of mothers claim that their children suffer from constipation, but the figure must be higher, considering that there are cases that the mothers are not aware of."-The Japan Times

     The women of Japan are adopting habits that are prevalent in our country; taking the easy way out when it comes time to make dinner. They complain that vegetables are either too expensive or too much of a nuisance to store so they choose not to incorporate them into their meals. They've also began to resort to the use of processed and frozen meals in lieu of the traditional family meal that is synonymous with Japanese culture.
     Nobuko Iwamura, author of  "Kazoku no Katte Desho!" ("It's My Kitchen and I'll Do What I Like in It!") conducts a survey that analyzes the weekly intakes of the average Japanese family. Over the 13 years of the survey's existance, Iwamura has noticed a rise in obesity, high cholesterol, impaired liver function and diabetes, to name a few.

     "Since 2005," writes Iwamura, "meals made up entirely of processed food dishes have comprised over 40 percent of all meals. We even visited homes where every meal for a week was made up of them." One 33-year-old mother boasted, "I've got a Seven-11, a Lawson, a Familia and a Ministop convenience store near the house, so I can really vary where I buy my meals and not get tired of them!"

     The problems that the Japanese are facing in as they become a more fast paced culture, much like the one we're accustomed to, will only get worse as they become more and more of a fast food culture. Whether it be take out or frozen food, Japanese, much like their American counterparts are subscribing to convenience over health. These shifts from traditional values are proof that a countries values can be exported through the form of companies and media that exude a certain attitude and lifestyle. In the case of America, it's instant gratification in a fast paced society. Unfortunately for Japanese children, convenience for their mothers comes at the cost of their well being.
The Japan Times