Japan's Approach to Healthy Eating Teaches Valuable Life Lessons

WHO:

CBS News Health - Correspondent Adam Yamaguchi reported on the differences in diet between Japan and the United States.

WHAT:

CBS News Health - The percentage of obese adults in the United States is about ten times what it is in Japan.

CBS News World - Fast food, junk food, pizza, and donuts are popular in Japan, yet the obesity rate remains low compared to the U.S.

WHERE:

CBS News Health - The comparison is made between the dietary habits in Japan and the United States.

WHY:

CBS News Health - Japanese schools are making it their mission to provide healthy lunches to give children a taste of a healthy life.

HOW:

CBS News World - One company in Japan helps track its employees' health as part of promoting a healthier lifestyle.

(UPDATED June 14, 2026 15:33 UTC)

CBS News Health correspondent Adam Yamaguchi reported that the percentage of obese adults in the United States is about ten times higher than in Japan, despite the popularity of fast food, junk food, pizza, and donuts in both countries. Japanese schools are actively working to provide healthy lunches to instill a taste for nutritious food in children, while one company in Japan is helping track its employees' health to promote a healthier lifestyle. This comparison highlights the significant differences in dietary habits and health outcomes between Japan and the United States.