Japan Fights Food Waste With Innovation And Respect [Video]

For a nation that prides itself on efficiency and minimal waste, Japan is facing an embarrassing problem — food waste. In 2022, there was a reported 4.72 million tons of food waste — and while that number is down from previous years, it still places Japan among the leading contributors of food waste globally.

Ironically, much of the food waste is blamed on the nation’s success as a culinary destination. What can be done about it? In a case of typical Japanese ingenuity, the root of the problem has become the solution.

The Origin of the Problem: Consumers

Japan is known for innovative thinking and generous people, so it is no surprise that they would tackle the challenges of wasted food by thinking outside the box. While the restaurant industry bore the brunt of blame for the problem, problem solvers quickly realized consumers and wholesalers were just as much at fault for all the food waste.

Japanese shoppers are renowned for being picky with high standards …