What do you notice about the food and eating customs in Japan how does it differ to the western culture?

The diet is rich in steamed rice, noodles, fish, tofu, natto, seaweed, and fresh, cooked, or pickled fruits and vegetables but low in added sugars and fats. It may also contain some eggs, dairy, or meat, although these typically make up a small part of the diet.

Sitting. Typically the Japanese eat at low dining tables and sit on a cushion placed on tatami floor (a reed-like mat). In formal situations both men and women kneel (“seiza”), while in casual situations the men sit cross-legged and women sit with both legs to one side.

The Japanese diet includes a variety of everything

Instead of having larger quantities of two, three food items (like steak with potatoes and a side salad, in the West), they eat smaller quantities but with more varieties of foods (i.e. fish, soup, rice, pickles, green vegetables, root vegetables, and a side salad).