Why Japan Banned Eating On The Street While Walking

How Did This Come About?

However, worries about eating while moving aren’t limited to spills and soiled clothing. Many Japanese people believe that walking or engaging in other physical activity while eating is impolite since it implies that you are not adequately savoring your food.

For some, this belief dates back to World War II, when there was a food shortage and people had to value it rather than take it for granted. As per the Japan Times, to help people understand the ban, the city used a series of signage that read “No eating while walking” in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.

A spokesman from Kamakura told CNN that those who break the law would not be penalized. It’s just a matter of common decency. Japanese etiquette disapproves of eating on the street. Yet, according to Walk Japan’s website, eating close to a vending machine may be acceptable. They discourage eating on a short train journey as well.