An underrated achievement, reducing food loss

This summer has been busy for me. The heat has been merciless in most of Japan, including the Kanto region where I live. The net effect is that I haven't been cooking as often. And with the astronomically high rice prices, I've been resorting to convenience store items.

You might be thinking, this conbini habit isn't economical. But I take advantage of the discounts when I can. 

Regular contributor Genkidesu asked us to share in a Q&A, the most underrated thing(s) about life in Japan. For me, it's got to be the approach to food waste. You'll see the sticker on the rice ball that reads エコだ値 - eco da ne, wordplay linking the discount to eco-friendly behaviour. In 2024, 7-11 won the Consumer Affairs Agency Commissioner's Award at the 2024 Food Loss Reduction Promotion Awards for this campaign.

An underrated Japanese achievement is reaching food waste reduction targets and aiming to reduce more. I'm conscientious about how I shop and store food, influenced by Japan's initiatives.

More about the food waste reduction targets - https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/05/japan-reducing-food-waste/#:~:text=Japan's%20Consumer%20Affairs%20Agency%20estimates,tons%20of%20carbon%20dioxide%20emissions.