Tokyo residents are changing their diets amid rising rice prices, according to an April survey by Lifescape Marketing, a Tokyo-based research firm, reported by Mainichi today. The survey examined dietary changes in Tokyo households during the first three months of the year.

Nearly 60% of the 214 households surveyed reported a 10% decrease in rice consumption compared to the same period last year.

However, alternative carbohydrate options like noodles and bread did not see a significant increase. Yogurt consumption rose the most among households that reduced rice intake by over 10%, increasing by 2.7% compared to the previous year.

For breakfast, yogurt appeared on Tokyo tables 4.9% more often, surpassing other items like potage soup and sandwiches.

Conversely, traditional Japanese breakfast staples saw a decline. Rice consumption dropped by 5.1%, rice balls by 4%, miso soup by 3.3%, and natto (fermented soybeans) by 1.3%. Mainichi described this as a "westernization" of diets as rice consumption decreases.

A restaurant in Fukuoka serves breakfast consisting of rice topped with raw fish, wasabi, pickles, and miso soup. Photo: AFP

A restaurant in Fukuoka serves breakfast consisting of rice topped with raw fish, wasabi, pickles, and miso soup. Photo: AFP

Akiko Furutani, associate professor of nutrition at Aikoku Gakuen University in Tokyo, explained the lack of increase in bread consumption and the rise in yogurt popularity as a shift toward gluten-free diets.

"The recent trend is to limit carbohydrates and increase protein. Yogurt is chosen as an easily accessible protein source," Furutani explained. "In addition to the high price of rice, the preference for yogurt and ready-to-eat cereals over rice and miso soup for breakfast in Tokyo shows that many people prioritize quick and easy meals."

Meiji, Japan's leading dairy company, reported a steady 10% monthly increase in sales of its top yogurt product line. Other yogurt companies reported similar results.

"This may be because people are finding ways to satisfy themselves after meals with yogurt when they have to reduce rice consumption, combined with the westernization trend in eating habits," said a representative of Morinaga Milk.

Furutani cautioned that only eating yogurt for breakfast isn't sufficient for carbohydrate intake. "Rice can be replaced with other grains, barley products, or even pasta. Aim for a balanced diet," she said.

Duc Trung (According to Mainichi, Asahi, Japan Times)