In college, my passion for video games unexpectedly sparked my journey into exploring Asian cultures – starting with food which grew into my admiration for their way of life. This curiosity soon led me to question America’s approach to health and learn more about the practices of Japanese culture, from their longevity-focused blue zones to their respect for nature and community. In this post, I’ll share how these discoveries inspired my own pursuit of wellness and a deeper appreciation for living intentionally. This is why I want to move to Japan!
The Background:
Back in college, my love for video games brought me to join my schools esports team. I played sooo much Valorant and started surrounding myself with others who enjoyed the same things as me. This was the time in my life where I started learning more about some aspects of various Asian cultures. I began to immerse myself with more Asian food and watched a few anime shows.
This only made me want to learn more. I began cooking my own Asian dishes at home, experimenting with what I enjoyed most. I admired how a lot of Asian dishes had so much health benefits and incorporated really nutritious ingredients – far different from the typical American meal. This is what I enjoyed learning about most of all.
All the information I learned about the health benefits of Japanese food in particular led me to further explore their culture and way of life. I became intrigued with their blue zones and admired their cultural respect for food, nature, and community. Now if you aren’t familiar with the concept of blue zones, they are areas where people live significantly longer, healthier lives. Particularly in Japan, their blue zone is in Okinawa.
As I’ve gotten older, I have placed health in higher value and continue to question the American views on health more and more. By views I mean – America’s healthcare system’s symptom-focused approach/reactive care. According to the CDC, 42% of adults in America are obese and yet, the healthcare system opts to focus of treating the symptoms that come with being obese. They treat diabetes and heart disease with medications and surgeries instead of addressing the root causes, such as, diets high in sugar, poisonous dyes, and seed oils, sedentary lifestyles, and other environmental factors. I am so passionate about this I could probably write a novel. But this is what truly opened my eyes and brought me closer to Japanese culture and way of life.
I truly admire their attention to deal and value of high quality over high quantity. These past experiences not only shaped my values but my vision for the life I want to build and live for myself.
The Japanese way of embracing health, community, and meaningful connection to nature aligns with what I want to create for my own life. This is why I dream of moving to Japan. A place where I can fully immerse myself in a culture that prioritizes balance and respect.
Works Cited
“Adult Obesity Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult-obesity-facts/index.html. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.