Kaki Okumura, a Japanese wellness writer with a unique cross-cultural perspective, sheds light on the contrasting perceptions of indulgent food between the United States and Japan, revealing how this shift in mindset ultimately contributed to her journey towards improved health.
Growing up in the United States, Okumura, like many, associated indulgent food with decadent treats such as chocolate cake and juicy burgers. However, her perspective underwent a profound transformation when she relocated to Japan, where she learned that indulgence need not be synonymous with unhealthy choices.
Today, as a writer and educator focusing on Japanese health practices, Okumura reflects on her past struggles with weight in the U.S. She attributes much of her complex relationship with food to the prevailing notion of indulgent food as defined by calorie-laden, oversized portions. She took it for granted that this view of indulgence was universally accepted until her move to Japan.
When pondering the concept of indulgent food, many envision rich slices of chocolate cake, succulent burgers, hefty sizzling steaks, or mountains of crispy fries. Fast-food and ice cream advertisements frequently employ the term “indulgent” to describe their offerings, and a cursory online search confirms that indulgence, in popular perception, is often measured in terms of calorie count and portion size.
Okumura’s perspective underwent a transformative shift during a particular encounter with her Japanese grandmother. Intriguingly, her grandmother returned home one day brimming with excitement, promising the family a delectable surprise. The suspense and anticipation led Okumura to envision treats like strawberry shortcake, cream puffs, or perhaps a box of luxurious chocolates.
To discover the intriguing twist in the perception of indulgent food that Okumura encountered and its profound impact on her journey to better health, one must delve further into her insightful exploration of how Japan’s perspective on food indulgence significantly differs from that of the United States.
