Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the extreme dieting culture among Japanese women, highlighting the societal pressures and unhealthy behaviors that lead to widespread eating disorders and low body weight [6][7][40]. Group 1: Dieting Culture in Japan - A recent warning from a Japanese association indicates that one in five young women in Japan is underweight [6]. - Many women suffer from malnutrition and frequent medical visits, negatively impacting the national health index [7]. - The Japanese government has attempted to encourage women to eat more, but these efforts have had little effect [8]. Group 2: Societal Pressures and Body Image - The dieting mentality begins in middle school, where BMI standards are included in educational materials, leading to body comparisons among students [17]. - High school girls often share lunches to control calorie intake, and there is a culture of body shaming for those who are slightly overweight [20][21]. - Adult women face even greater pressure, with societal expectations dictating that they must maintain a slim appearance [24]. Group 3: Eating Habits and Food Choices - Japanese women often resort to extreme dieting methods, including low-calorie convenience foods and the use of laxatives and diuretics [27]. - Typical meals for women are extremely small, with some only consuming a quarter of a tofu block as a meal [35]. - The societal stigma around eating certain foods, like beef bowls and ramen, leads women to avoid dining in public settings [40][41]. Group 4: Gender Norms and Expectations - The concept of "女子力" (women's power) in Japan creates unrealistic expectations for women to be both physically appealing and submissive [53][56]. - Women often feel pressured to conform to beauty standards, leading to behaviors such as height misreporting and extreme dieting [60][72]. - The societal focus on appearance extends to professional settings, where women are expected to wear makeup and adhere to strict dress codes [66]. Group 5: Conclusion and Reflection - The article emphasizes the absurdity and tragedy of the dieting culture in Japan, rooted in deep-seated gender biases and societal norms [50][76]. - It advocates for breaking free from these harmful standards and encourages women to embrace their bodies without the pressure to conform to societal expectations [78].