Japanese people tend to not drink water during meals and instead opt for tea or other warm beverages that aid digestion. This practice is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and reflects their philosophy of mindfulness and respect for food. Reasons for avoiding water during meals include the belief that it dilutes digestive enzymes, the importance of hydrating before meals, and the influence of traditional medicine. Despite this long-standing tradition, modern trends are starting to influence this practice as younger generations adopt a more Western-style approach to eating and drinking.