This article explores the traditional Japanese diet and its health benefits, as well as its potential drawbacks when adopted outside Japan. It is based on fresh, seasonal ingredients that are low in fat and high in protein and complex carbohydrates. Eating a traditional Japanese diet has many health benefits including lower rates of obesity, heart disease, and stroke. Sushi can be healthy if made with brown rice or other whole grains instead of white rice. Eating a traditional Japanese-style diet outside Japan can present some challenges due to differences in availability or preparation methods for certain ingredients. Tips for eating a healthy version include shopping at specialty stores for authentic ingredients, buying organic produce whenever possible, avoiding processed foods, making your own sushi at home using brown rice instead of white rice, experimenting with different cooking techniques, incorporating fermented foods into meals, enjoying small portions of snacks between meals and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.