I recently got a thank you and a refund for towels I had returned from Amazon.
The towels were damp from bring used, I had never initiated a refund return, nor had I in fact returned them.
I reported this to amazon and had to find a human since the system had no "refund for nonexistent returns" option. The human didn't get it and pinged his team lead. After 20 minutes they told me to just keep my towels and refund.
Japan is probably evidence that the surrounding food culture matters at least as much as the existence of UPFs. You can sell plenty of processed food without getting the same outcome if portion sizes, eating habits, school meals, and daily activity are different. The marijuana comparison feels like a non sequitur, though.
>Japan has ultra processed foods and they don't seem to have an obesity epidemic.
Most of that's from a much stronger national guidance on weight control + societal expectations, but IIRC they also are gaining weight. Their ultra processed foods (in the salt and preservative sense) are also why they have one of the highest rates of stomach cancer.
> They also don't have a marijuana epidemic.
Not sure if I'd categorize the US as in a marijuana epidemic (and this is coming from someone who doesn't consume it and dislikes being around it) but even if we were, the states with the highest marijuana usage (west coast and NE) and the states with the highest obesity rates (deep south) are almost non-overlapping circles. If we're tying a drug to be obesity rates I'd be much more willing to believe it's the American propensity to chug large amounts of cheap 100-120 calories a pop beer.
Japan is one of the countries where people smoke literally everywhere. As for marijuana, it's highly illegal, it's one of the remnants of the colonial history there as everything apart from smoking and drinking is considered evil due to how China was devastated with opium.
Maybe 20 years ago, not so much today. There are a few places around town and a few indoor restaurants where public smoking is still permitted, but this is no longer true in most public spaces. Not on train platforms, not indoors in the vast majority of public spaces, it's just not that common and the number of smokers in Japan has significantly diminished over the last several decades.
There are 'smoking boxes' on some train platforms, but I rarely see those in use by more than a few people out of the several hundred who may be waiting. Marijuana is also 'highly' illegal but also not exactly hard to find for people who are 'hip' and it's also not aggressively enforced, much like speeding.
Also, Japan doesn't actually have a 'colonial history' having never been colonized by another nation.
I'm thinking you have just heard about Japan by rough description?
> Also, Japan doesn't actually have a 'colonial history' having never been colonized by another nation.
It was never colonized but I've often heard it talked about in a similar way due to the effects of the Commodore Perry and the post WWII occupation (i.e. see their infamous pornography laws), as well as neighboring affects from China's colonial history.
The infamous 'anti-pornography laws' actually predate Perry by a significant period of time. Those were a Tokugawa era law originally. Post WWII occupation has had very little actual impact on Japanese culture, no matter how impactful the occupiers think they were.
It's the first time I've seen this put forward, I thought the effects of occupation were obvious and undeniable. To me at least there is a clear influence in art/music/cinema, technology, and food. Though over time, it fuses to the point of being its own thing.
Certainly the impacts of American culture from Hollywood and Elvis are impactful, but that effect has reached nearly every corner of the world. One memorable point is Richard Gere finding himself recognized as "Officer Gentleman" in one of the most remote jungle villages in Papua New Guinea that only had one TV set for the whole tribe. However, the Japanese social and legal reformation following the end of the war took as much influence from the greater western world as from the US. Half of the country used primarily German technology imports for developing it's power grid, and this legacy remains today, as there is a division into 60Hz and 50Hz regions of roughly equal size.
Japan adopted a very English form of democracy, uses a similarly English approach to the division of public and private education, and while the Meiji Restoration did away with legal and formal caste divisions, there is still a strong hierarchy of culture which instead of feudalism, uses financial means as a basis for class. Much of the former Samurai class was in unique position to transition into the merchant class at the time of Meiji and thus the system changed but also stayed the same.
The Japanese have been adept at both appearing to be influenced from the outside and remaining unchanged on the inside. There is a concept that is central to Japanese culture and consciousness, which is a duality of existence called Tatemae and Honne. This mistakenly gets conflated with Yin and Yang, but is wholly unrelated. This duality is the 'view from the outside' and the 'internal truth' and is the societal construct which underpins the strong tendency to reduce public conflict and direct contradiction. The Japan that is visible to the outside, between individuals and among nations, is highly influenced by this concept and is why Japan can appear to be influenced and changed, and can at the same time cling to traditions and customs which are rooted firmly and unchanged since the 16th and 17th centuries. It means that the same 'James Dean' lookalike rebellious youth groups in places like Shinjuku and Akihabara can exist, and yet most of them do 'grow up' and go to work in an office as a 'Salaryman' even if they still dress up and hang out on the one day off they get every week.
The influence of foreign food is much in this same vein, Tempura being an excellent exemplar. Originating with Portuguese sailors centuries ago, it has been embraced and taken on such change as to become recognizably Japanese cuisine around the world. Ramen as well, unmistakably Chinese in origin, yet integrated and given a truly Japanese transformation until it is nearly wholly identified with the Japanese menu.
These foreign influences do appear, but only when they are in tune with, and can be adapted to fit the underlying 'core truth' of Japanese culture. The Tatemae may shift and appear to have changed, the Honne remains stable and forms a durable foundation, for individuals and for society as a whole. And so, for the occupiers it may appear as if they have made a significant influence on the whole of Japanese society, and they may perceive themselves as somehow similar in effect to 'colonial influences' while at the same time, having had no more real impact to the formal and traditional activities of society than a new coat of paint or sponsorship label has on the driving characteristics of a race car.
This is exactly what I meant, and Japan is not special in this regard. In nearly all cases, with a few exceptions, external influences are molded and integrated into the underlying culture.
It's the same story with American influence on Filipino culture, which was significant but still integrated, or "in tune" as you say.
Another good example is French influence on Vietnamese culture, which appears more seamless to me than American influence on Japan. It's a few generations older, so it makes sense.
I don't see this mentioned in the transcript. What is the basis for you mentioning it? Seems like a weird thing to throw in without explanation. I say this as someone that does not consume cannabis, btw, so this is not a defense of cannabis usage.
Japan may come up a lot in discussions about longevity, but doesn't Japan have a drinking culture that is very unhealthy? It's pretty well established that alcohol has a serious impact on health in numerous ways. There is even a condition called alcohol-related dementia.
Ultra processed food is about 50-60% of American calories, versus 38% in Japan [1]. Also try visiting a Japanese 7-11, there's tons of fresh-made food options with vegetables and such.
They walk everywhere. That is, they have a transit system that allows them to walk (and bike) everywhere. That combines with smaller portions and strong social pressure to remain trim.
Couple caveats:
1) There is a tradeoff in lower average body size/height, which doesn't seem to bother them as a whole, but which any individual athlete/model/actor/businessman might curse.
2) I know of several Japanese men in the 240-400 pound range. Many of them seem to enjoy being larger, but for those who don't, being Japanese in Japan wasn't a silver bullet.
The concept of 'ultra-processed foods' in Japan has some significant differences from the rest of the world. The food safety regulations are actually quite strict. What follows is a list of some synthetic materials found in US foods which are PROHIBITED in Japanese consumables. So the statement 'Japan has ultra processed foods and they don't seem to have an obesity epidemic.' is a misunderstanding of what food might look like American Ultra-Processed food and is missing any of these toxic ingredients.
Azodicarbonamide (ADA) : Dough-conditioning/bleaching agent; oxidizes flour proteins to improve elasticity and whiteness. Currently found in some supermarket sandwich breads and hamburger/hot dog buns.
Potassium Bromate (KBrO₃) : Oxidizing agent that strengthens gluten structure and increases dough rise/volume. Classified a possible human carcinogen (IARC 2B); banned in the EU, Canada, and UK; California has banned it starting 2027. Still federally permitted in the US in trace residual amounts. Regional and bulk/wholesale bakery bread products.
Chlorine Gas / Chlorine Dioxide : Bleaching and maturing agents for wheat flour. Currently used in "bleached flour," a listed ingredient in many cake-mix and biscuit-mix products.
Ammonium Chloride (synthetic) : Yeast nutrient/dough conditioner that accelerates fermentation. Used in some commercial bread and cracker doughs as a processing aid.
2. Synthetic Antioxidants & Preservatives
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) / Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) ; Synthetic antioxidants preventing fat/oil rancidity. NTP lists BHA as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." Some current chewing gum and packaged-snacks.
Tert-Butylated Hydroquinone (TBHQ) : Synthetic antioxidant preservative used at very low levels to extend shelf life of oils and fried/processed foods. Pop-Tarts (Kellanova) and Little Debbie snack cakes.
Propylparaben : Antifungal preservative. EU treats it as effectively banned over endocrine-disruption concerns; California has banned it in food starting 2027; it remains FDA-permitted and is under an active FDA chemical-safety review opened in 2024. Advocacy groups (EWG) have specifically petitioned makers like Entenmann's and Sara Lee to remove it.
Thiodipropionic Acid & Dilauryl Thiodipropionate : Synergist antioxidants used alongside BHA/BHT in fats and shortening.
Stearyl Citrate : Antioxidant/chelating agent in margarines and oil-based dressings.
Ethoxyquin : Antioxidant/color stabilizer, originally developed as a pesticide; used to preserve color in ground spices. Bulk and store-brand ground paprika and chili powder spice blends.
Stannous Chloride : Antioxidant/color-retention agent for canned foods. Canned white asparagus.
3. Emulsifiers, Stabilizers & Texturizers
Polysorbate 60 & Polysorbate 80 : Emulsifiers for oil/water blending in baked goods, ice cream, and creamers. Cool Whip (Kraft) and Coffee-Mate liquid/powdered creamers.
Synthetic Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC / Cellulose Gum) : Thickener/stabilizer preventing ice-crystal formation. Common ingredient in many mainstream ice creams (store-brand and name-brand alike — check the specific carton) and low-fat salad dressings.
Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate (SAIB) : Weighting agent keeping citrus flavor oils suspended. Used in some citrus-flavored sports drinks and sodas currently on the market.
Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate (DSS / Docusate Sodium) : Wetting agent improving dispersibility of powders. Used in instant cocoa/hot chocolate mix formulations.
Oxystearin Anti-crystallizing agent keeping liquid vegetable oils clear under refrigeration. Used in some refrigerated bottled vegetable/salad oils, typically store-brand.
4. Synthetic Colorants
Titanium Dioxide : White opacifying/color additive. Banned as a food additive in the EU (2022); still FDA-approved federally (up to 1% by weight), under an open FDA safety review since 2023, and subject to a pending California ban effective 2027. Per FDA data cited by food-safety reporting, over 4,300 candy products currently contain it, along with many white frostings, powdered coffee creamers, and donut glazes.
FD&C Citrus Red No. 2 : Colorant with one narrow legal use: coloring the skins of Florida oranges (not the flesh, not general food products). Currently applied to some Florida orange peels sold in grocery stores.
Fast Green FCF (FD&C Green No. 3) : Synthetic green dye, low usage volume relative to other approved dyes. Currently found in some mint-flavored candies and canned green vegetable products with added color.
5. Anti-Caking & Coating Agents
Synthetic Magnesium Silicate (Synthetic Talc) : Anti-caking agent absorbing moisture in powders. Used in some current powdered spice blends and pre-shredded cheese as an anti-caking coating; brand presence varies enough that I'd want you to check the specific product's label rather than take a brand name from me.
Sodium Ferrocyanide (Yellow Prussiate of Soda) : Anti-caking agent in table and processed salt. Present in some current table salt formulations, including certain Morton's products, and in salt used within processed snack seasoning blends.
Modified Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Coatings : Glossy protective film coating on high-sugar snack pieces. Yogurt-covered raisins and pretzels.
Synthetic Petroleum Waxes : Food-grade paraffin/microcrystalline waxes for candy shine and moisture barrier. Hard candies and chocolate-coated candy shells.
6. Chelating & Minor Functional Agents
Calcium Disodium EDTA : Chelating agent binding trace metals to prevent oxidation/discoloration. Kraft Mayo and Miracle Whip-type sandwich spreads, and in canned beans and some canned soft drinks.
Zinc Lactate : Zinc salt used for anti-cavity/breath-related function rather than classic preservation. Sugar-free chewing gums marketed for dental benefits (e.g., certain Trident and Orbit formulations)
7. Fortification Agents
Synthetic Iron Sources (Carbonyl Iron) : Reduced elemental iron powder fortifying "enriched" flour. Wonder Bread, most white sandwich breads, and in many fortified breakfast cereals.
8. Processing Solvents & Residues
Acetone : Industrial solvent used in extraction of some resins/oleoresins and fat/cocoa-butter processing; trace residues can remain.
Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane) : Solvent used for coffee/tea decaffeination via direct extraction. FDA permits a 10 ppm residual limit specifically for this food use. "Traditional process" decaffeinated coffees that don't specify "Swiss Water" or "CO2 process" on the label .
9. Agricultural & Livestock Inputs (Not Added Directly to Food , Present via Animal-Derived Ingredients)
Ractopamine : Beta-agonist fed to pigs and cattle before slaughter to increase lean muscle growth. Banned in the EU, China, and Russia; still FDA-approved for US livestock. Because it's a feed input rather than a processing additive, it never appears on any processed-food label.
Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH/rBST) : Synthetic hormone used to increase dairy cow milk yield. Banned in the EU, Canada, and Japan; still FDA-approved in the US. Most major retailers and chains (Walmart, Kroger, Starbucks) now source rBST-free and label accordingly, so current use is concentrated in dairy supply chains that don't carry that label. Think about all the 'strawberry milk' and 'chocolate milk' drinks without this label.
So, no Japan does not have the same kinds of Ultra-Processed foods as the US, and for MANY other reasons doesn't have an obesity crisis.
They do have a functional educational system, and have plentiful availability of fresh fruits and vegetables within walking distance of nearly every citizen. The idea of US inner city 'fruit free' areas is perplexing in the extreme to their perceptions of "American Greatness."
The madmen are you, not the chinese. The "threat" is musks, altmans, "darios", and whatever the names are behind the anonymous assassins from Pentagon and CIA.
You had to recompile a kernel module to support your dang modem and network card or no networking. X11 was a royal pain cuz there was no it just works desktops.
Package mgmt was a nightmare and dependency based managers like yellow dogs APT and nonexistent redhats rpm didn't exist.
More like than not you had to compile some random a55 tarball from src and hoped ./configure && make && make all would work or spend hours on USENET looking for solutions (or mailing lists!).
True Soft Power - Hollywood, and associated media industry, which happens to be the platform through which "Russian ballet, Japanese manga, k-pop", etc. reach people.
With the Internet and some competing heavy-weights, it may no longer be an US soft superpower it was before, but it still retains its important quality: it's ubiquitous, ever-present, and so enormous it's hard to notice - much like fish don't think much about the water they swim in.
The towels were damp from bring used, I had never initiated a refund return, nor had I in fact returned them.
I reported this to amazon and had to find a human since the system had no "refund for nonexistent returns" option. The human didn't get it and pinged his team lead. After 20 minutes they told me to just keep my towels and refund.