Meiji Restoration

Japan's Centuries-Long Dietary Shift: From Prohibition to Modern Cuisine

For over a millennium, Japan observed a widespread prohibition on meat consumption, initiated by imperial decree in the 7th century and profoundly shaping its culinary traditions. The ban was dramatically repealed during the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, ushering in a new era of Japanese cuisine that integrated Western influences and iconic meat dishes.