Did you know that Japan’s agricultural ministry estimates that 23 million tons of food was discarded in 2007, about JPY11 trillion worth – that is the monetary equivalent of Japan’s annual agricultural output. It also cost about JPY2 trillion to process that waste. In Tokyo alone food accounts for 30 percent of all household waste. That’s about 6,000 tons a day, which is enough to keep 4.5 million starving people alive for a day!
Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven discard food as the expiration date looms close, however recently they are recycling the foods into fertilizer and livestock feed – well maybe responsible, but it only justifies the wasting of more food.
Freshness of food is extremely important in Japan, especially in the last few years with all of the food labeling scandals, however food safety is not the only factor. There was a survey done by the Sankei Shinbun last fall and based on this survey Japanese diners never ask for a doggy bag because they are afraid it might offend the restaurant owner. Little by little, consumers are becoming less self – conscious about taking home leftovers and you can now buy special colorful containers made especially for doggy bag purpose. What does that mean – Japan’s solution to food waste – make it fashionable!
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