Japanese rice sales dwindle for the first time amid rising demand for western foods

However, the findings of the new study reflect a growing shift in Japan’s
eating habits, which have become increasingly Westernised since the end of
the Second World War.

The survey also taps into the nation’s lack of confidence in the safety of
domestic food produce following last year’s nuclear disaster in Fukushima,
with rice shipments banned in a number of regions due to contamination.

Japan has long been renowned for its high-quality rice production, with the
white grain not only forming a staple part of the nation’s diet but also
playing a significant cultural role.

Families traditionally grew rice together, creating the sense of collective
harmony for which Japanese society is renowned, while religious ceremonies
such as marriages and new year celebrations are celebrated with “sake” rice
wine and “mochi” rice cakes.

The new figures relating to rice purchases coincided with a separate report
highlighting how Japanese people are gradually moving away from traditional
food and table manners.

Despite the growing popularity of Japanese cuisine such as sushi overseas, the
nation’s food culture was increasingly shifting away from its traditional
roots, according to the study by Tokyo Gas Co’s Urban Life Research
Institute.

From preparing miso soup for breakfast to cooking rice to accompany all meals
as well as the habit of sitting down as a family to share a meal, a string
of traditional food customs were slowly disappearing, it found.

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