The Reality of Japanese Food | Rie Geale | TEDxSuginami

NOTE FROM TED: Please do not look to this talk for medical advice. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of diet fertility and health. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/t...

In this thought-provoking TEDx talk, Rie Gheal — a food culture researcher born into a traditional Kyoto cuisine family — uncovers the surprising reality behind what people think they know about Japanese food.
While sushi, kaiseki, and wagyu beef captivate global audiences, Rie shows that everyday Japanese eating habits tell a much different story.
She shares personal experiences from growing up in Kyoto’s culinary world, battling health challenges, studying dietary therapy, and ultimately understanding food’s profound connection to life, culture, and empathy.
Through data on modern diets, rising convenience food culture, and Japan’s low food self-sufficiency rate, Rie explores questions such as:
What is the true essence of Japanese food today?

How has globalization reshaped eating habits in Japan?

Why is the spirit of “thoughtfulness” the real heart of Japanese cuisine?

Her talk is a powerful reminder that Japanese food is not just about traditional dishes — it’s about a spirit of caring, adaptation, and connection. Born in Kyoto, currently living in Tokyo. Married to a British husband and son.Born as the third generation in a Kyoto-based family of kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine) chefs. At the age of 42, Rie transitioned from being a full-time housewife to an entrepreneur. In an effort to improve her infertility, which doctors had given up on, she explored various methods including Traditional Chinese Medicine, medicinal cooking, yoga, Ayurveda, macrobiotics, molecular nutrition, and cellular environmental studies. Despite trying to improve her diet, her lack of cooking skills made it difficult to achieve success. As a result, she developed a method for effective eating called “Tabetore Meal Method”®️, which can produce results even for those who are not good at cooking.. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx