Why didn’t the Japanese eat meat for centuries?

It was not until Emperor Meiji ascended the throne that eating cattle and poultry became popular in Japan.

In February 1872, a group of monks broke into the royal palace, hoping to see the emperor. As a result, half of the monks were killed by royal soldiers. They understood what was waiting for them in that infiltration but decided to do it anyway. To them, the repeal of the Emperor’s centuries-old ban on meat eating was terrible for Japan. Why did the Japanese never eat meat? According to the Atlas Obscura , for about 12 centuries, the cherry people hardly touched a piece of meat. Especially beef. This type of meat is taboo. Some temples have enacted a law that those who eat must fast for more than 100 days to atone for their sins. Prohibitions can be mentioned as people who eat wild goats, wolves, rabbits, dogs or raccoons must repent for 5 days before going to the temple. People who eat pigs and deer must repent for 60 days. Meanwhile, people who eat cows and horses must repent for up to 150 days. Eating meat of beneficial animals such as buffaloes and cows used to be taboo in Japan. Photo: Atlas Obscura. This seemingly absurd story begins in the 6th century. Buddhism was introduced to Japan from Korea. During this period, the Japanese still ate meat. They like venison, wild boar and many others. Wild meat dishes are indispensable in aristocratic banquets. However, according to the Buddhist concept, humans can be reincarnated into other beings, including animals. Therefore, when we eat meat, we are likely eating our own ancestors. This is truly horrifying for people of faith. In 675, Emperor Tenmu issued a decree banning the eating of beef, horses, dogs, chickens and monkeys in time for the farming season (April-September). Over time, this ban was extended throughout the year to all meats. In fact, even before the ban, meat was not an essential part of the lives of most people. Japan is an island nation. New fish and seafood are the most popular items. “Protein is supplied mainly by rice, not meat or milk,” historian Naomishi Ishiga once wrote. Breeding in the island nation is very difficult. Therefore, eating animals useful for agriculture is also discouraged. Although the ban was issued, not everyone obeyed it, especially the nobility. Many records show that they once sent pork, beef and milk as offerings to the emperor. In the 18th century, the Hikone clan sent a gift of beef soaked in sake to the shoguns. Gifts are packaged in packages labeled “medicine”. According to the Atlas Obscura Although banned, meat is still considered a food with medicinal properties. Even monks sometimes eat meat on prescription. In addition, certain foods such as birds, dolphins or whales are still acceptable. Fish is considered the exception. Photo: Atlas Obscura. “Buddhism has commandments about reincarnation as well as forbidding the eating of mammals. The strong faith makes many people think that if they eat mammals, after they die, they will be reincarnated as them. On the rare occasions of eating meat, the Japanese cook it in an open-air stove. After eating, they must avoid looking at the altar so as not to mistake spiritual contamination,” Ishige wrote. The Change of Emperor Meiji Around the 16th century, Portuguese missionaries set foot in the country of cherry. They tell the people here that drinking milk is like drinking blood and the ban on beef is absurd. Lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi even asked the missionaries a lot about this issue. He wondered why it was possible to eat beef when it was a useful animal for the farm. Emperor Meiji and his reforms changed long-held notions of meat in Japan. Photo: Atlas Obsucra. Change only really came at the end of the 19th century. When Emperor Meiji came to power, he advocated changing the political structure, opening up to the outside, quickly absorbing Western technology. “During this period, many people began to think that the fact that the Japanese were physically inferior to Westerners was because they did not eat meat and dairy foods,” Ishige wrote. The Meiji government began to remove taboos in the ancient diet. Meat and dairy production companies began to appear. The emperor himself also ate meat to welcome the new year (1872) to convince people to give up the concept of not eating meat. This has led to protests from Buddhists and farmers (mostly dependent on animals for farming). Also in 1872, an edict was issued. It reads: “Beef is a nutritious food. However, many people still try to thwart our efforts to Westernize by clinging to ancient beliefs. This is against the wishes of the emperor. “. The Japanese are no longer afraid to eat meat. Photo: The CEO Magazine. After a long time, the emperor’s efforts also succeeded. Japan opened its doors to the world, importing and learning the meat dishes of Korea, China and the West. Before long, Western-style meat restaurants filled the city. Japanese restaurants also started selling medicinal beef stew (which later evolved into the famous sukiyaki). Up to now, meat has become an essential part of Japanese meals, just like sushi.