In August, there was one sign like few others that something was not going well with Japan’s economy: The cost of cooking the distinctive dish has never been higher. Donburi, curry rice and its Japanese variations, was the iconic dish prepared collectively in the country. This is exactly why the story we are going to tell has become very popular in the country. A man walked into a donburi chain to order food and hasn’t stopped since.

The first was Gyudon. To tell the story more clearly, the man who has become very popular in the country came to order gyudon, donburi, or beef bowl, an emblematic dish of Japanese cuisine that stands out for both its taste, accessibility and cultural symbolism. . Consisting of beef cooked with onions in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar and mirin and served with white rice, gyudon is a popular choice for people of all ages as it is a cheap, nutritious and easy-to-prepare dish.

Its importance lies not only in its comfort but also in its ability to adapt to the modern lifestyle; offers a quick and seemingly balanced alternative to other less healthy chain options. Moreover, gyudon reflects the simplicity and harmony of flavors that characterize Japanese cuisine, establishing itself as the most comforting and representative dish of Japanese culinary culture.

I want a Gyudon. Thus we arrive at that morning in 2019. 31-year-old Japanese Manarisu walked in and ordered a dish from the traditional recipe and hasn’t stopped eating every day since then at the same establishment, Sukiya, a popular gyudon. chain.

Apparently he had originally done this to take advantage of a promotion allowing him to buy a Nintendo Switch. But what started as a one-time strategy has turned into a tradition that has now lasted more than five years and more than 1,800 days. He was not only “accepted” as a regular customer, but also became the official ambassador of Mercari, the platform behind the promotion, the national recipe itself and its culinary values.

Variety and favorite food. The truth is that although Sukiya is known for its famous gyudon, it also offers a wide variety of dishes, from curries to sukiyaki to seasonal options like unagi (eel). In fact, donburi varieties have helped Manarisu avoid boredom, even though she admitted to the media that she sometimes gets bored with rice. Her favorite choice: maguro tataki (chopped raw tuna), which she describes as “fresh and delicious.”

What about health? And here we come to the real question: Is this good for the body? Contrary to popular belief, Sukiya’s daily diet did not significantly affect her health, quite the opposite. The man said he even lost weight during the first three years, thanks to combining the menu with his exercise routine.

Not only this. He confirmed this by showing his medical checks, which showed no abnormal results. It turns out he’s gained 10 kilos after four years, but he attributes the increase to regular and somewhat excessive alcohol consumption rather than to the meals at Sukiya. In fact, Manarisu documents his dishes on social networks, creating long publication chains and attracting more and more attention with his consistency.

National food study. The truth is that Manarisu’s case highlights how a diet based on gyudon, generally free of fried foods and mixed with portions of vegetables, can be healthier than other fast food options. Additionally, it reminds me of a study a few years ago in which participants ate a meat dish from the local Yoshinoya every day for three months.

Yoshinoya, Japan’s leading gyudon chain, conducted a study in collaboration with Doshisha University to evaluate the effects of consuming the popular meat and rice bowl every day for three months. Participants included 24 men and women who ate Yoshinoya’s frozen gyudon daily without changing their lifestyle, diet, or exercise levels.

Results. After three months, researchers found no significant changes in participants’ weight, body fat percentage, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol or triglyceride levels compared to baseline data.

As researchers thought at the time, gyudon (in this case from Yoshinoya) is a relatively balanced dish that includes boiled onions and other vegetables, providing a small and basic portion of vegetables and lacking fried elements. Additionally, the standard serving size is 135 grams, which limits its caloric impact.

A dish and a national hero. We can say that the story of Manarisu became popular because it further exalted the value of a national dish. A study conducted several years ago suggested that consuming gyudon in moderate portions daily had no adverse effects on health.

However, daily consumption of Manarisu over three years is the best evidence that, at least in their case, it is a relatively healthy diet or healthier than other chain options. With no plans to stop, the capeless hero says he plans to reach a symbolic 2,000 consecutive days of dining at Sukiya next year, establishing himself as an example of unparalleled dedication to an unconventional gastronomic lifestyle.

Image | Manarisu

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