In Japan, rice is the symbol of providence and of creation, and of blessing and joy. Today, let us delve deeper into the cultural significance of rice in Japanese society. Rice is an irreplaceable part of Japanese culture, linking myths, deities, and the Japanese people.
Originally unprocessed brown rice was the main staple of Japanese farmers. But, with the introduction of more advanced processing methods, over time pure white rice began to be seen as a symbol of status and power in Japan. Only the elite of the elite ate white rice.
Millet was replaced by rice as the main staple food from c. 300 BCE and seafood was preferred to meat, both for its abundance and because Buddhism, introduced in the 6th century CE, largely prohibited the killing of animals and birds.
While Japanese people eat rice daily. It is an essential food for most of their meals. Plus, it is cooked without butter or salt, so Japanese people are able to keep their slim figures. The Japanese diet mostly avoids junk foods and high-calorie.
Because the warm humid Japanese climate was well suited for the rice to grow, the planting and harvest cycles became regular, and rice was easy to store, it spread rapidly throughout the country, from the Kinki region to the eastern sea, on to the Tokyo area and north to Tōhoku.
It wasn't until the Meiji era (1868-1912) when the industrialization of rice processing made white rice available and affordable to the masses. White rice was scarce again during the food shortages during and post WWII. The circumstance was countered by the push for a wheat-based diet by the U.S. occupying forces.
It is believed that rice was first brought to Japan from China via the Korean Peninsula somewhere between 300 BC and 100 BC. Since then, rice agriculture has been a vital part of Japan's development.
The key is that they walk a lot. A 2008 study showed that the Japanese people walked an average of 18,000 steps per day while Americans only walked half that. The study also found that those who took the most steps had the lowest BMI and waist circumference.
As the most populous country in the world, China also consumes more rice than any other country, with about 155 million metric tons consumed in 2022/2023. Following China, India is ranked second with 108.5 million metric tons of rice consumed in the same period.
The monks believed the new trend of eating meat was “destroying the soul of the Japanese people.” For both religious and practical reasons, the Japanese mostly avoided eating meat for more than 12 centuries.
Uncooked, freshly polished rice should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator, not the pantry, to retain its nuances in flavour.
Have you even wondered why Asian countries have eaten white rice for thousands of years, not brown? Because brown rice is full of phytates and lectins, which bind to vitamins and minerals and prevent them from being absorbed. Phytates are anti-nutrients found in grains and legumes.
As their diet is traditionally high in soy and fish this may also play a significant role in reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The Japanese also have the lowest rates of obesity among men and women as well as long life expectancy.
The Japanese eat three meals a day, and they have some meal conventions that are similar to Western practices. At many Japanese hotels, breakfast is a sizeable affair, with a focus on savory dishes, soup and (of course!)
More Rice, Less Wheat
90% of the world's rice production is located in Asia. It's been cultivated in the region for close to 10,000 years, so the region's occupants tend to eat a fair amount of rice. Rice, especially white rice, is a mostly non-toxic source of glucose.
Japan's success in avoiding the obesity problem faced by most of the western world is down to three main factors: an appreciation of good food from cradle to grave, a lifestyle that encourages incidental exercise, and a large dollop of paternalism.
To decide if a person is fat or obese, one must calculate their size, body type, and age. Anyone with a BMI of 22kgs/m2 and above is considered fat in Japan. Women in Japan consider themselves overweight if their BMI is above 23kgs/m2. On the other hand, the Japanese say their men are fat if their BMI exceeds 25kg/m2.
Not finishing one's meal is not considered impolite in Japan, but rather is taken as a signal to the host that one wishes to be served another helping. Conversely, finishing one's meal completely, especially the rice, indicates that one is satisfied and therefore does not wish to be served any more.
During World War II rice was in short supply, as it could no longer be imported from Asia. To meet the shortfall, rice cultivation began in the Murray Valley. The industry grew strongly through the 1950s and a grower cooperative was formed in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. It now operates under the brand of SunRice.
The climate is very different between Australia and Japan so I am very surprised that 100 years ago a Japanese person came to Australia and started up rice farming."
People believe that the Japanese first learned to grow rice around the third century B.C. in the Yayoi period. This type of agriculture probably came to Japan from Korea and China.