EXPAT/FOOD
A Reflection on Excessive Packaging in Japan
A pet peeve of an American expat
During my time living in Yokohama, Japan, in the mid-2000s, my family and I embraced the country’s rich culture. We were deeply touched by the people’s warmth, courtesy, and honesty.
The dedication to quality and customer satisfaction in Japan was evident in our daily lives there. The meticulous craftsmanship and impeccable service are two aspects that come to mind.
However, one aspect that left me with mixed feelings was the prevalent use of excessive packaging.
Processed food such as cookies, chocolates, and crackers were individually wrapped in layers upon layers of plastic and paper. This resulted in a significant amount of waste. Not to mention, it took forever to get to the actual item.
It was a bit like going on a treasure hunt to reach the actual item amidst all the packaging. It would have been humorous if it were not so frustrating, particularly if you were hungry.
