Jeffrey Salazar
Between 1890 and 1930, Japan underwent significant dietary changes influenced by various factors, including cultural exchange, religious beliefs, and the introduction of new food sources. During this period, Japan's diet transitioned from one influenced by Buddhist and Shinto beliefs, which discouraged meat consumption, to one that increasingly embraced meat-based diets, particularly beef. This shift was influenced by the Meiji Emperor, who publicly consumed meat in 1872, and the adoption of meat-based diets from Europeans. This period also saw the establishment of Japan's first modern legislature, the Imperial Diet, in 1890, which set the framework for the country's political and culinary trajectory in the years to come.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Period | 1890 to 1930 |
| Diet | The Imperial Diet |
| Established | 29 November 1890 |
| Constitution | Meiji Constitution |
| Prime Minister | General Count Yamagata Aritomo |
| Food Influence | Chinese, Dutch, Korean |
| Meat Consumption | Beef consumption increased 13 times in 5 years |
| Food Sources | Hunting, imports, agriculture |
| Agriculture | Focus on cereal and vegetable production |
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What You'll Learn
Meat consumption increased
Meat consumption in Japan increased between 1890 and 1930, marking a shift from the predominantly plant-based diet influenced by Buddhism and Shintoism. Several factors contributed to this change:
Influence of Buddhism and Shintoism: Buddhism, introduced to Japan in the 6th century CE, promoted the avoidance of killing animals and birds, resulting in a predominantly seafood and vegetable-based diet. Shintoism, with its rituals and ceremonies centred around agriculture, also influenced the diet of the Japanese people. However, by the late 19th century, these religious influences began to wane, especially with the Meiji emperor eating meat in public in 1872, paving the way for increased meat consumption.
Agricultural Challenges: Japan faced challenges in developing agriculture due to limited arable land and frequent crop failures caused by insufficient irrigation techniques. This made livestock farming difficult, and wild game, such as boar and deer, became less abundant as forests were cleared for agriculture to support the growing population.
Western Influence: The Japanese began adopting meat-based diets influenced by Europeans, particularly the Dutch, who were taller than the average Japanese conscript. This led to an increase in meat consumption, with Tokyo's beef consumption increasing by 13 times in 5 years.
Economic Factors: The period between 1890 and 1930 saw economic changes in Japan, with industrialization and urbanization taking place. This likely led to changes in dietary patterns, with people having access to a wider variety of foods, including meat, and the means to purchase them.
Cultural Shift: During this time, there was a cultural shift away from the traditional taboos surrounding meat consumption. Meat-eating was no longer seen as purely a Western practice, and people began to embrace it as a source of nutrition and a sign of modernization.
In summary, the increase in meat consumption in Japan between 1890 and 1930 was influenced by a combination of religious, cultural, economic, and agricultural factors. This shift marked a significant change in the Japanese diet, moving away from the traditional plant-based and seafood-focused diet towards a more meat-inclusive one.
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European influence on diet
Between 1890 and 1930, Japan underwent significant changes in its diet, influenced by various factors, including European practices and beliefs. Here is a detailed look at the European influence on the Japanese diet during this period:
Adoption of Meat-based Diets:
The Japanese started adopting meat-based diets, influenced by Europeans like the Dutch, who were taller than them. This shift began in the 18th century and gained momentum when the Meiji Emperor publicly consumed meat on January 24, 1872. The Japanese began to view meat consumption as a way to improve their physical stature and strength. As a result, Japan started importing Korean beef, leading to a significant increase in beef consumption in Tokyo.
While animal milk, such as cow's milk, was initially despised and considered abhorrent in Japan, some Japanese individuals attempted to introduce it into their diet. Marsukara, for example, imported milking equipment from Shanghai on the advice of the French consul, intending to feed cow's milk to babies, as he learned that Western infants consumed it. However, Marsukara himself never drank cow's milk.
Cultural Exchange and Culinary Influences:
During this period, there was a cultural exchange between Japan and Europe, impacting dietary habits. For example, the Japanese started consuming beef as a regular part of their diet, influenced by European practices. Additionally, the Japanese continued to eat dog meat, which was considered unusual by Europeans, who preferred beef. This cultural exchange led to a blending of culinary traditions, with the Japanese adopting some European food preferences while retaining their unique dietary practices.
Agricultural Shifts:
European influence also impacted Japan's agricultural practices. From 1890 to 1930, Japan experienced a transition in crop cultivation. While wheat and miscellaneous grains were already part of the Japanese diet, the focus on wheat cultivation may have been influenced by European bread-baking traditions. This shift in agriculture contributed to the availability of different food sources and potentially influenced the variety of dishes consumed by the Japanese.
Post-World War II Changes:
After World War II, the U.S. occupation of Japan (1945-1952) further influenced Japanese dietary habits. American postwar food aid introduced new foods and ingredients to the Japanese. The implementation of a school lunch program by the occupying U.S. forces exposed Japanese children to milk, white bread rolls made from U.S. wheat, and stews spiced with curry powder. This early exposure played a role in shaping the dietary preferences of the younger generation, making them more receptive to unusual flavor combinations. Additionally, the post-war period saw the rise in popularity of "three sacred treasures": a TV, a washing machine, and a fridge. This shift in consumer behavior brought about new ingredients and a transition from a carbohydrate-based diet to a protein-rich diet. The food shortages during the war and the inefficient allocation of food supplies by both Japanese officials and U.S. military authorities also played a role in shaping dietary habits during this time.
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Buddhism's impact on diet
During the period from 1890 to 1930, Japan underwent significant changes in its diet due to various factors, including the influence of Buddhism. Here is an overview of Buddhism's impact on the Japanese diet during this time:
Buddhism's Influence on Diet in Japan
Buddhism had a notable influence on Japanese culture, including dietary practices. The adoption of Buddhism in Japan after the 6th century led to a shift in dietary habits, with meat consumption becoming taboo. Emperor Tenmu's decree in 675 CE prohibited the consumption of cattle, horses, dogs, monkeys, and chickens during specific months of the year, with penalties for breaking this law. This decree was influenced by the Chinese Tang dynasty, which Japan sought to emulate.
The Buddhist influence on diet in Japan continued to be significant during the medieval period. Zen Buddhism, with its emphasis on self-discipline, was particularly influential among the warrior class during this tumultuous time in Japan's history. The values of simplicity, naturalness, and harmony inherent in Zen Buddhism shaped the development of Japanese cuisine and aesthetics.
Buddhist Cuisine
Buddhist cuisine varies among different traditions, but it primarily consists of vegetarian or vegan dishes. In East and Southeast Asian countries like Japan, vegetarianism is commonly practiced by clergy and sometimes observed by laypeople during devotional practices or holidays. Rice is a staple in Buddhist meals, often served as porridge or congee. Noodles, vegetables, and grains are also frequently included in Buddhist cuisine.
Onions, garlic, and other strong-smelling plants are typically avoided in Buddhist cuisine, as they are believed to increase negative emotions. Eggs and dairy are generally not permitted. However, the type of seasonings and sauces used can vary based on regional differences, with soy sauce and vegan dashi being common in Japanese monastery food.
Meat Consumption in Japan
Japan's history of meat consumption has been complex. While meat was consumed in ancient Japan, it was considered impure by some. Buddhism's influence further contributed to meat eating becoming taboo, especially among the lower classes, due to the association with paddy field development. However, meat consumption from wild animals like boar and deer continued, and by the late medieval period, a more balanced diet emerged.
In the 18th century, Japan started adopting meat-based diets influenced by Europeans, and this trend increased when the Meiji emperor ate meat in public in 1872. This marked a shift towards meat consumption, with a significant increase in beef consumption in Tokyo. However, it is important to note that Japan lacked arable land for livestock, and meat-eating had been outlawed at various times by rulers.
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Rice cultivation and consumption
Rice has been a staple food in Japan since around 300 BCE, when it replaced millet. The first evidence of rice cultivation in Japan dates back to around 800 BCE, with the first evidence of growing rice in wet fields appearing around 200 years later, in 600 BCE. Introduced by migrants from mainland Asia, rice cultivation was a significant development in Japanese food culture, and its expansion led to a decrease in meat consumption, even among the lower classes.
Wetland rice cultivation was introduced to Japan during the Jomon period, which lasted from around 14,000 to 300 BCE. This period was marked by significant environmental shifts due to global warming and rising sea levels, which transformed vegetation and led to a shift towards a plant-based diet. While rice cultivation was introduced during this time, it was not widely practised until the transition from the Jomon to the Yayoi period, which began around 1000 BCE.
The expansion of rice cultivation continued, and by the 8th to 12th centuries, rice was the main staple food in Japan. During this time, rice was also collected as a tax due to its reliance on paddy fields and the risk of crop failure. The development of paddy fields, which are flooded fields used to grow rice, further reduced meat consumption as it was considered taboo to eat meat during the flooding season.
In addition to its cultural and religious significance, rice also played a role in politics in Japan. Japanese rice farmers, particularly those from rural areas, have historically had a notable influence on internal politics and national policies on trade and agricultural subsidies.
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The role of the Imperial Diet
The Imperial Diet, also known as Teikoku-gikai in Japanese, was Japan's first modern legislature. It was established by the Meiji Constitution, which was in force from 1889 to 1947. The Meiji Constitution was adopted on 11 February 1889, and the Imperial Diet first convened on 29 November 1890, when the document entered into force. The Imperial Diet was composed of a House of Representatives and a House of Peers. The House of Representatives was directly elected, although with limited franchise; universal adult male suffrage was introduced in 1925 with the passage of the Universal Manhood Suffrage Law, which excluded women and was limited to men aged 25 and above.
The first Imperial Diet of 1890 was marked by controversy and political tensions. General Count Yamagata Aritomo, the Prime Minister of Japan at the time, clashed with the legislative body over military funding. Critics of the army decried the Meiji slogan of "rich country, strong military," arguing that it resulted in a poor country with a strong military. Instead, they advocated for infrastructure projects and lower taxes, believing that their interests were not being served by high military expenditures.
The Meiji Constitution was modelled after the constitutional monarchy found in 19th-century Prussia, where the king held absolute power and sovereignty over his kingdom. This form of government aligned with the Japanese perception of the emperor's role at the time. The Imperial Diet was also influenced by the German Reichstag and the British Westminster system. While the Meiji Constitution granted the emperor a significant political role, his powers were largely directed by a group of oligarchs known as the genrō or elder statesmen.
To become law or bill, a constitutional amendment required the approval of both the Imperial Diet and the emperor. This meant that while the emperor could not legislate independently, he retained veto power over the Imperial Diet. The emperor also had the authority to choose the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. The Imperial Diet was responsible for passing laws and nominating the prime minister. Additionally, it had to approve the annual national budget submitted by the government and ratify treaties.
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Frequently asked questions
Rice was the main staple food in Japan during this period, having replaced millet around 300 BCE.
Meat-eating was avoided by the Japanese in the 19th century due to Buddhist influence. However, by the 1870s, the Japanese started adopting meat-based diets from Europeans, and beef consumption increased. Meat from wild animals like boar and deer was also consumed.
Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan in the 6th century, discouraged the killing of animals and birds, leading to a preference for seafood and vegetables in the Japanese diet. Some Buddhist sects required their followers to eat a vegetarian diet. Shintoism also influenced food practices and rituals, particularly in agriculture.
Japan's geography as an archipelago influenced its diet, with seafood being preferred due to its abundance. The varied geography also meant that each region had different capacities for agriculture, with some areas benefiting from heavy rains and dry, subtropical temperatures during the growing season.
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