World · East Asia & Pacific · 16 hrs ago
Survey finds many Japanese parents dissatisfied with mealtimes
A survey asked 1,218 mothers and fathers in Japan who have children aged 3 or younger about their mealtimes.
Nearly one-third said they could not eat in a relaxed setting, and 31% said they could not eat at their own pace.
Just over 10% were unhappy because they could not eat the food or seasonings they wanted.
The survey found that parents who felt household chores and child care were shared tended to be more satisfied with mealtimes.
Researchers said sharing the load does not have to mean dividing every task or hour equally; both partners need to feel they are working together.
They suggested taking turns caring for a child so the other parent can focus on cooking or another task.
Parents who cannot rely on a partner could consider time-saving products or outside services.
A survey found that 30% of Japanese households raising young children were dissatisfied with their mealtime environment.
Among 1,218 parents surveyed, 32% said they could not eat in a relaxed setting and 31% could not eat at their own pace.
Just over 10% said they could not eat what they wanted or enjoy food seasoned to their liking.
Parents who felt household chores and child care were shared tended to report greater satisfaction with mealtimes.
The survey institute said cooperation between partners could help improve the mealtime environment.
- Who
- The Akachan-no-iru kurashi kenkyujo surveyed mothers and fathers raising children aged 3 or younger.
- What
- The survey found that 30% of households were dissatisfied with their mealtime environment.
- When
- The survey date is not stated. Its findings were discussed on Sept. 8, 2026.
- Where
- The survey was about households in Japan. The findings were discussed at Akachan Honpo Co.'s headquarters in Osaka.
- Why
- The institute surveyed parents about their satisfaction with mealtimes.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Members of the institute discussed the survey findings at Akachan Honpo Co.'s headquarters in Osaka.
Mainichi EN published its report on the survey.
- Survey respondents
- 1,218 mothers and fathers raising children aged 3 or younger
- Dissatisfied households
- 30%
- Could not eat in a relaxed setting
- 32%
- Could not eat at their own pace
- 31%
- Survey discussion
- Akachan Honpo Co. headquarters, Osaka; Sept. 8, 2026
What people are saying
We had expected many parents to be dissatisfied with the kinds of food they could eat, such as being unable to enjoy piping-hot and spicy dishes, because food for infants and toddlers primarily tends to be lightly seasoned and soft
Sharing responsibilities does not necessarily mean dividing time and tasks exactly in half
But couples become parents at the same time. I hope they will work together and find an approach to parenting that both feel comfortable with
Sources
Related news
Wildfires in Indonesia injure orangutans and threaten their habitat
China sanctions ministers from Paraguay and Belize over Taiwan ties
Wife says detained Australian activist in Vietnam has become uncontactable
North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles toward East Sea, South Korea says
Toilet paper found at unmanned Niigata station despite notice saying it was removed
South Korean envoy says intelligence cooperation with U.S. has improved
South Korean ambassador returns home amid dispute with Ukraine over POW transfer
13-year-old charged with murder after fatal stabbing in Sydney’s west
North Korea fires two ballistic missiles, U.S. says
Two men die as festival floats overturn in Osaka Prefecture
North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles toward eastern waters, Seoul says
