A Transpacific Mega-Mac Attack

Forget sushi and ramen noodles — the Mega Mac is hot in Japan. Ever since the beefed up version of the Big Mac with four patties and an extra slice of cheese was introduced to the Japanese, McDonald’s Japan has enjoyed a major increase in sales, up 11% in 2007 to $3.5 billion.

The Mega Mac is not sold in America. We can’t even super-size our fries or sodas anymore.

In America, the trend in food service is healthier choices and smaller portions. Salads and gourmet coffee are the hot items at McDonald’s these days. It has been a few years since I’ve seen one of those fast-food commercials advertising a giant taco with another taco inside of it or a stuffed-crust pizza laden down with more than a pound of meat.

In Japan, Westernization of the diet has been the trend since the beginning of the Meiji Era (1868-1912). Fast food became a significant part of the Japanese diet when it was introduced in the 70s. In 2007, Japan finally has reached the point where the burgers on offer at this iconic American restaurant are bigger than the ones served in America!

As Japanese food becomes popular in the rest of the world, Japan continues to Westernize its diet. In general, Japan is less critical of the American fast-food industry partially because Westernization of any kind is still considered cool and hip. It’s interesting how people in America see fast food as something “old, boring and bad” and a healthy diet similar to the traditional Japanese one as cool and hip.

It’s astonishing how some Japanese, especially the young, have very little appreciation for their traditional healthy diet, even as it becomes the envy of much of the world. It’s unfortunate that even wonderful traditions tend to be taken for granted.