The basic Japanese diet is summed up well by the Japan Zone website: "The typical Japanese meal consists of a bowl of rice, a bowl of miso soup, pickled vegetables, and fish or meat." The typical Japanese diet is a healthy one. The Japanese have a relatively long lifespan, with men living until an average age of 78 and women to 85.
Rice and Noodles
There are several thousand varieties of the sticky, short grain rice that is used as a staple in Japan--and there is a wide a variety of uses for the rice. Rice shows up in rice bowls, rice cakes called mochi, rice wine called sake, rice balls called onigiri, and many other forms.
Noodles
Noodles also occupy a large role in Japanese cuisine. The three main types are the wheat flour noodles known as udon, buckwheat noodles called soba, and ramen noodles, which are actually considered Chinese food in Japan.
Fish
According to the Tokyo Top Guide website, Japanese meals are based on fish rather than on rice. A Japanese person eats an average of about 1/2 pound of fish a day. It is common to have one hot fish dish and one cold fish dish at a meal. Sushi is technically defined as sushi rice, which is a rice prepared with sushi vinegar. But, of course, sushi is known throughout the world for the many types of raw seafood featured as a topping.
Soy
Soy is heavily used in Japan. In addition to the soy-based miso soup, tofu, made from soybean curd, and soy sauce are daily staples as well. Then there is natto, made from fermented soybeans. With its pungent smell and taste and its stringy texture, natto tends to be a food you either love or hate. Restaurants in Japan sometimes have separate rooms for natto lovers, so natto haters can avoid the aroma.
Health Benefits
People in Japan derive many health benefits from a typical Japanese diet. Soy is not only an excellent source of protein, it also helps reduce heart disease and high blood pressure. Fish, a rich source of omega-3, is a heart-healthy food. Japanese green tea has only half as much caffeine as coffee and helps soothe the digestive system.
Considerations
People in Japan consume little white flour. Dairy and bread are not a part of the traditional Japanese diet. The Japanese don't eat a lot of sugary desserts and have little need to do so, since red bean and green tea desserts are quite delicious.
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