Question

Developing nations typically have periodic shortages of food. Thus they try to maximize food production from each square meter of land. So they grow crops like wheat, rice, corn rather than cattle, chickens and sheep; they can feed more people. But Japan is a very industrialized and rich nation. The average person there eats very little beef in one year; perhaps the equivalent of one 10 ounce steak.

What's going on in Japan?

Answer 1

Meat consumption was banned in Japan for centuries. Also, as a nation of islands, seafood is much more practical as a protein source.

Step-by-step explanation:

One reason the Japanese ate very little beef is that traditionally the Japanese ate very little meat in general for spiritual and practical reasons. Buddhist thought promotes respect for all life, so this combined with Japan's geography as a nation of islands made the diet more seafood based. There was little need to eat meats like chicken, pork, or beef. Most Japanese people practice both Buddhism and Shintoism and for centuries meat consumption was taboo. Today meat consumption is on the rise in Japan, however, with the popularity of gourmet foods and due to consumer culture and Western influence, particularly in urban areas.