| Japan is often perceived as a homogeneous society. One reason for such a notion is the ideology called Nihonjinron, which depicts Japanese society as monolithic. In many respects, however, Japanese society is profoundly diverse. The most obvious distinctions are evident between western and eastern Japan. I will present a counterargument to Nihonjinron , arguing that Japan is in fact a heterogeneous society, by using the consumption of natto (fermented soybeans) as an example. Natto is often referred to as a favorite traditional Japanese food. To be more accurate, however, natto is favored by the people of northeastern Japan. For unknown reasons, the level of natto consumption between the West and East of Japan differs greatly.;In order to demonstrate the cultural differences between western and eastern Japan, I will discuss geographical and historical aspects concerning Japan, the history of natto, and contemporary Japan's natto consumption. |
