<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="false"><li>Japan, known for its low obesity rates, is facing a debate on expanding food aid due to rising food insecurity among different demographics.</li><li>Food aid use in Japan has increased by over 30% from 2020 to 2025, driven by economic stress and an aging population.</li><li>Critics argue that food aid programs in Japan may conflict with its health-conscious food culture and traditional diet rich in fish, rice, and vegetables.</li><li>There are cultural resistance and concerns about social stigma, fear of dependency, and the impact of donated Western foods on the traditional Japanese diet.</li></ul>

Food Aid Sparks Backlash in Japan, the World’s Thinnest Nation

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