Rates of anoxeria and bulimia in Japan are increasing more rapidly than anywhere else in the world, with one in 100 Japanese women dealing with an eating disorder.
In fact, women in Japan are consuming fewer calories than they did in the Second World War. A third of the population of Japan has a Body Mass Index of less than 18.5, considered in Japan to be the lowest healthy weight.
Dr Hiroyuki Suematsu, a professor of clinical psychology explains a culture of privacy and stoicism has led to an inability to confront the rise of eating disorders.
‘From a young age, we are discouraged from discussing personal problems or sharing our true feelings. Here, society is brought up to always give people the impression everything is fine,’ he told Hanias.
http://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/2012/05/08/dying-to-be-thin-anorexia-in-japan/
The article explores the Japanese phenomenon of ‘kawaii’, meaning cute, a bizarre mix of highly sexualised, pre-pubescent imagery. Dolls, cartoons and pop stars all radiate the message that thin is beautiful.
The article is a fascinating insight into an issue that appears, paradoxically, all pervasive and yet unseen in Japanese culture.
In fact, women in Japan are consuming fewer calories than they did in the Second World War. A third of the population of Japan has a Body Mass Index of less than 18.5, considered in Japan to be the lowest healthy weight.
Dr Hiroyuki Suematsu, a professor of clinical psychology explains a culture of privacy and stoicism has led to an inability to confront the rise of eating disorders.
‘From a young age, we are discouraged from discussing personal problems or sharing our true feelings. Here, society is brought up to always give people the impression everything is fine,’ he told Hanias.
http://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/2012/05/08/dying-to-be-thin-anorexia-in-japan/
The article explores the Japanese phenomenon of ‘kawaii’, meaning cute, a bizarre mix of highly sexualised, pre-pubescent imagery. Dolls, cartoons and pop stars all radiate the message that thin is beautiful.
The article is a fascinating insight into an issue that appears, paradoxically, all pervasive and yet unseen in Japanese culture.
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