Most Japanese companies set their lunch break from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, and my company is no exception.
Everyone eats lunch freely.
Some people bring a lunch box and eat at their desk.
Others go out with colleagues to nearby restaurants.
I used to go out for lunch quite often. It was a good way to refresh my mind during the workday.
But recently, I have been buying rice balls from convenience stores instead.
The reason is simple: weight control.
Japanese Lunches Are Not Always Healthy
Many lunch restaurants in Japan serve meals in a set menu style.
Rice refills are often free, and large portions are common.
Because of that, it is very easy to eat too many calories.
Outside Japan, Japanese food is often seen as healthy.
But honestly, that image is not always true.
Affordable lunches that salarymen eat every day can be surprisingly high in calories.
For example:
- Tempura soba
- Tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet)
- Gyudon (beef bowl)
- Chinese food
- Ramen
- Karaage（Fried chicken)
All of these are common lunch choices for Japanese office workers.
And yes, I have eaten many of them recently.
Even During a Diet, Temptation Comes
Although I usually eat rice balls now, sometimes I really want to eat something good outside.
Especially because I love ramen.
The other day, I happened to walk past a famous ramen shop near my place: Kikanbou.
Normally, there is a long line at lunchtime.
But that day, only a few people were waiting.
The moment I saw that, I joined the line without thinking.
Spicy Ramen and a Clear Mind
Kikanbou is famous for its spicy and flavorful ramen.
I like spicy food quite a lot.
You can choose the level of spiciness, and the standard level is perfect for me.
For most people, it might be too spicy.
When I eat spicy food, my head feels clearer.
My body gets warm, and I start to sweat.
Because of that, the guilt of eating a high-calorie meal during a diet feels a little lighter.
Sometimes, That’s Enough
Maybe I ate too much that day.
Maybe it wasn’t the healthiest choice.
But sometimes, having a lunch like this is okay.
After all, this is just one ordinary lunch in the life of a Japanese salaryman.
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