Ask A Tokyo Planner

A Reader asks: Why are Japanese people so skinny?

Answer: Because there is no Bacon Double Cheese Sushi in Japan.

According to an OECD report, Japan has an estimated obesity rate of 3%, compared to 32% in the US. The question of course is not why are Japanese skinny but why is everyone else not skinny. But that's for someone else's blog. In short, Japanese eat less (or at least eat less Bacon and Cheese) and walk more (high urban population using public transportation, bicycles, etc.).

But it's not that simple. In fact, McDonald's is the #1 restaurant chain in the country. KFC, Wendy's, and Japanese versions MOS Burger, Lotteria, etc., all have strong presence. There are Starbucks outlets everywhere. Stone Cold Creamery and Krispy Kreme are hugely popular. But despite their best efforts, these (mostly US-based) feeders still can't fatten the Japanese.

Best Effort Award:

Restraint, common sense and an uncanny ability to resist bacon and cheese in every lunch item imaginable. There's your answer.