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Japan Today
3 days ago
- Health
- Japan Today
Japanese food additives explained: What you're really eating
By Savvy Tokyo Navigating food labels in Japan can feel like decoding a secret language, even if you've been here for years. Once you finally figure out how to read Japanese food labels, there's still that long list of mysterious ingredients that pop up after the slash mark (／). What even are half of these things? Are they safe? Necessary? For example, why does an onigiri (rice ball) with no filling, literally just a ball of white rice, have so many things after that slash mark? If you've ever found yourself wondering about Japanese food additives, you're not alone. Here's your no-stress, savvy guide to understanding what's actually in that already-made bento box, that family pack of senbei (rice crackers) or even your kid's favorite snack from the convenience store. Before vs After The Slash Image: Shelley Smith To put it as simply as possible, when it comes to Japanese food labeling, keep these key differences in mind: Ingredients before the slash ( / ): Main food components (e.g., flour, sugar, oil) Main food components (e.g., flour, sugar, oil) Ingredients after the slash ( / ): Food additives (食品添加物; shokuhin tenkabutsu) This labeling system is part of Japanese food safety regulations designed to provide clarity when shopping for food products. Learning how to spot and understand additives in Japanese foods can help you make healthier, more informed choices. What Are Food Additives For? Image: iStock: Yuto photogra Food additives are substances added to foods for various reasons, including: Preservation Texture Color Flavor In Japan, the list of approved additives includes both natural and synthetic ones. Some are totally harmless — or even helpful — while others raise eyebrows. Are Additives in Japanese Foods Safe? The short answer is mostly yes, at least in the quantities allowed. Japan has fairly strict food safety laws and a list of approved food additives managed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. However, those who are more health-conscious may try to avoid artificial additives. Common Japanese Food Additives Click here to read more. External Link © Savvy Tokyo
Japan Today
05-05-2025
- General
- Japan Today
Learn how to join a community garden in Japan
By Melanie Barnes Since moving to Tokyo last year, I have missed growing vegetables, a hobby I used to love. Living on the third floor in a small apartment means I can have a couple of pots of herbs on my balcony, but there is no space for a proper vegetable garden. That all changed earlier this year, when some friends invited me to join them in renting a plot in a community garden nearby! I love gardening because it helps me connect with nature, release stress and learn some practical skills. I also love the pleasure of eating freshly picked food. The veggies I grow are so much tastier and crisper than the ones I buy in the supermarket. As climate change continues to alter our world, there has been a resurgence of interest in urban gardening. It's one way to live a more sustainable life and to learn skills that previous generations took for granted. Community gardens, also known as allotments, are an excellent option for people who don't have space to grow food at their own house. How My Community Garden Works Accessing The Garden Size & Price Perfect For Beginners Nature School For Kids Finding Your Community Garden Tips For Non-Japanese Speakers How My Community Garden Works The community garden I'm involved in is located on a small, privately owned farm in Kunitachi, western Tokyo. The farmer has divided the farm into about 40 separate lots. My family shares a plot with two other families. Sharing a plot is great because we split up the workload, which means that I can take a few days off if I need to! Even more importantly, we share whatever we grow, which means that I don't have to worry about what to cook with 16 eggplants when they all ripen in the same week. During summer, when the veggies ripen quickly, it's necessary to visit at least two or three times a week to pick the quickly ripening vegetables. However, during the change of season, the workload drops significantly, and we may only need to visit two or three times a month. Right now, we are close to harvesting beans, radishes, eggplants, onions, potatoes, lettuce, capsicum and cucumber. We also have tomatoes and corn on the way. Despite sharing, the amount of vegetables we harvest each week is more than enough. It has replaced about half of the vegetables we used to buy. Accessing The Garden Members can access the garden at any time of the day, which is great. This means I can visit when it suits me, either early in the morning before it gets too hot or late in the afternoon. Importantly, during these times, the garden is rarely busy, which allows for some well-deserved quality time for myself and my family. Size & Price Click here to read more. External Link © Savvy Tokyo
