What's on the Plate? A Look at Food in Sports Anime

Japanese anime is a global phenomenon, not just for its action and drama, but also for its depiction of food. A recent study explores how often food appears in sports anime and what kinds of food are shown.

The Study

Researchers analyzed 151 episodes from seven sports anime series (both male and female leads) released between 2019 and 2022. The total watch time was 3,634 minutes. They noted every scene with food and found 282 food scenes, averaging one food scene every 12.9 minutes.

Food on the Menu

The most common food items included:

• Grains (rice, bread): 39.4% of scenes
• Beverages: 32.6% of scenes
• Vegetables: 31.9% of scenes
• Meats: 25.9% of scenes

Gender Differences

Interestingly, sweets (cakes, candies) appeared much more frequently in anime with female leads (39.0%) compared to those with male leads (3.5%).

Implications

The study suggests that sports anime often features healthy foods like grains, vegetables, and meats, which are important for hydration and energy. However, the types of food can vary significantly depending on the series and characters.

The study also highlights the need for further research to understand the quality of the food portrayed in these anime.

Influence on Eating Habits

It's crucial to consider how anime might influence eating habits. While sports anime often showcases healthy foods, the emphasis on sweets in female-led series could send a different message. This is particularly important for younger viewers who might be inspired by what they see on screen.