Japan’s reputation for extraordinary life expectancy is no accident, according to Scottish journalist Johann Hari. During his recent visit to a school in Koenji, a district west of Tokyo, Hari uncovered key cultural and nutritional practices that sharply contrast with those in the West. These findings shed light on why Japan leads the globe in health and longevity.
In a conversation on The Diary of a CEO podcast, Hari revealed that Japan’s government mandates professional nutritionists in every school, ensuring children consume freshly prepared meals daily. This ban on processed food reflects Japan’s broader commitment to public health, a policy priority often neglected in Western nations.
Eric Thompson Show
Japanese schools utilize their meal programs as educational tools. Hari highlighted that one cultural principle instilled in students is hara hachi bu—the practice of eating until one is 80% full. Combined with smaller portions and a diverse variety of dishes, these habits promote gut health and mindful eating.
This structured approach was evident at the Koenji school, where 1,000 students ranging from ages five to 18 are introduced to balanced, wholesome meals. Hari, visibly struck by the absence of childhood obesity, described the experience as “jarring.” Childhood obesity, nearly nonexistent in Japan, contrasts sharply with the growing epidemic in Western nations.
Notably, the children’s approach to food further emphasizes balance and moderation. Unlike the Western tendency to consume one dish at a time, Japanese meals are consumed in alternating bites, encouraging slower, more deliberate eating.
Hari’s observations underscore the stark differences between Japanese and Western dietary norms. When showing images of British school lunches to Japanese students, their reactions were of utter disbelief. “They screamed,” Hari recalled. The absence of salad in typical Western school meals bewildered the Japanese children, highlighting the lower nutritional standards prevalent in the West.
This cultural and institutional disparity has broader implications. Western schools often prioritize convenience and cost-cutting over nutritional integrity. In contrast, Japan’s model demonstrates how a commitment to quality and education can yield significant health benefits.
Hari’s account has reignited criticism of Western food policies, which many argue prioritize profit over public health. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s past efforts to reform British and American school meals reveal the depth of resistance to change. Despite his revelations about the poor quality of processed foods like chicken nuggets, progress remains slow, and unhealthy habits persist.
The differences between Japan’s health-focused policies and the West’s reliance on over-processed, calorie-dense foods are stark. In nations like the United States and Australia, obesity rates have climbed steadily. Data from Australia’s Obesity Evidence Hub show that nearly 28% of children were overweight or obese as of 2023, a trend that mirrors broader global challenges.
This growing health crisis speaks to the need for stronger institutional intervention. Conservative voices have long championed personal responsibility and cultural renewal as antidotes to the erosion of healthy lifestyles. However, Japan’s example suggests that systemic changes, such as mandatory nutrition standards and the elimination of processed food in schools, can yield profound benefits.
It’s worth questioning why Western nations continue to lag behind in adopting such straightforward measures. Critics of progressive policies note that government overreach often focuses on superficial aspects of health, like calorie counts on menus, rather than fostering deeper cultural change. By contrast, Japan’s model reflects a harmonious partnership between individual responsibility and state-supported health initiatives.
The lesson from Japan extends beyond food policies; it is about a culture of respect for health and tradition. The Japanese emphasis on mindful eating, balance, and variety reflects values that are too often absent in Western societies. Conservatives argue that a return to such principles—rooted in personal accountability and cultural heritage—is essential for addressing the obesity crisis.
If Western nations hope to reverse their declining health trends, they must emulate successful models like Japan’s. This will require a cultural shift that prioritizes long-term well-being over short-term convenience. For now, Japan remains a testament to how disciplined cultural practices and sound policies can create a healthier, more vibrant society.
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