Japan is one of those countries that have always been known for their longevity. In fact, they’ve got a number of factors to thank for this reputation.
Some of these factors are due to lifestyle choices made by Japanese people, while others can be traced back to the Japanese food that they eat. Let’s take a look at some of these “secrets”…
1. Healthy diet
One of the most obvious benefits of eating healthily in Japan is that it has led to the country having one of the lowest rates of obesity on Earth. This is largely down to the fact that the typical Japanese meal features lots of vegetables and fish, which are both high in protein but low in calories per portion.
This means that you don’t need to worry about overeating when you’re dining out in Japan, as your calorie intake will be kept low by the quality of the food itself.
2. Regular exercise
Another important aspect of healthy living in Japan is that it involves regular physical activity. This helps to reduce stress levels and increase your energy levels, which can lead to better sleep patterns and more restful nights.
The Japanese also tend to work far less than other countries around the world – with many men working full-time jobs that only involve office duties – so there’s no reason not to get moving regularly!
3. Avoiding Western foods
As mentioned above, the typical Japanese meal includes plenty of vegetables and fish, meaning that you won’t find any processed foods or meat products on offer. Instead, expect to see fresh, seasonal ingredients such as rice, soybeans, cabbage, cucumber, and mushrooms.
All of these items are relatively easy to cook, making them great for busy people who want to avoid the hassle and expense of fast food restaurants. They’ll also help you to stay away from the western side of food culture, which tends to focus heavily on sweet desserts and fatty meats.
In addition to all of this, the Japanese are big fans of seaweed, bamboo shoots, tofu (which contains very little fat), and miso soup (which is packed with nutrients). All of these foods are staples of the traditional Japanese diet, and they’re all available in supermarkets across the country.
4. Eating early and late
If you’re looking to live longer, then you might want to consider trying to eat earlier and later than everyone else. The average Japanese person eats breakfast between 7am and 8am, lunch between 12pm and 2pm, and dinner between 6pm and 7pm.
While this doesn’t guarantee that you’ll have an extra decade or two added to your life, it does mean that you’ll be putting less stress on your body throughout the day, especially if you do nothing but sit at home eating a light meal every few hours.
5. Drinking tea
Perhaps unsurprisingly, drinking tea in Japan is one of the oldest traditions in the entire country. It was first introduced to the Japanese during the Edo period (1603–1867) and became popular among the aristocracy and samurai class.
Tea is now considered to be an important part of Japanese cuisine, and you’ll find it on sale everywhere from small family-owned shops to large department stores that sell everything from clothing to electronics.
You’ll probably notice that when you drink tea in Japan, you’re served a different type of cup than what you’d use in Europe or America. You’ll usually end up sipping from a bowl-shaped vessel called a chawanmushi, which looks like a miniature teapot.
Most restaurants in Japan serve hot tea in this way, so you should try to order it whenever possible. If you’re really stuck for choice, ask for matcha green tea, which has become something of a national obsession.
For the sake of convenience, it’s worth remembering that in Japan, you’ll often find tea bags on sale too.
When you’re ordering tea in a restaurant, you’ll normally be asked how much sugar and milk to add. Most people will request half a teaspoon of each, although you might choose to go a bit further if you’re feeling experimental.