Lunches on a budget: how much are Japanese workers spending?

As part of the work culture here in Japan, I've noticed that lunch is rarely a drawn-out social hour like it usually is back home, with more of a tendency for speed, solitude, and simplicity. A recent survey by Kaunet (a company under the KOKUYO Group) took a closer look at weekday lunch habits across Japan, and for anyone living here as an expat, the results might help explain some of the workplace rhythms you’ve likely encountered.

Most people in the survey (over 80%) spend less than 30 minutes on lunch during the workweek. About 60% of respondents said they keep their lunch spending under 500 yen, while another 30% spend between 500 and 800 yen. It’s a far cry from the long cafe lunches some of us are probably used to back home, and a reminder that convenience store bentos or a homemade onigiri are more the norm than the exception.

What’s interesting is that while nearly everyone is on a tight lunch schedule and budget, over half of the people surveyed still believe that taking the time to eat properly boosts productivity. But only about 6% actually spend 45 minutes or more on lunch, which speaks to the tension between what people know is good for them and what their working environment allows.

If you work in a Japanese office, you may have already noticed that many people eat at their desks. The survey confirms that, with more than 40% desk-eating, often because there’s no dedicated space for breaks. It’s a practical solution, but also one that blends work and personal time in a way that might feel unusual if you’re used to more defined breaks.

Still, there’s a level of thoughtfulness behind these habits. Around 60% of those surveyed said they’re conscious of their health when it comes to food. That doesn’t always mean elaborate meal planning, but it does mean being aware of balance, like making sure there’s a portion of vegetables or cutting back on fried foods.

If you work away from home here in Japan, what does your lunchtime routine look like?