Comments on: Say What? Japan Has A Waistline Limit!

By: nosophist

nosophist — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:16:03 +0000

Hmm. Well, let’s see. How is healthcare paid for in Japan? According to the article in Wikipedia, 80% of the cost of healthcare is born by the national government–read, taxpayers. Well, if you’re going to accept someone else paying for your healthcare, I guess you really can’t complain if they tell you how to live to keep healthcare costs down, can you? “Freedom isn’t free” has multiple meanings: in this case, if you want the freedom to live as you choose, then the cost is that you pay for your own healthcare–no “insurance” for you. Another way to look at it: “Free” healthcare will cost you some freedom.

There’s a lesson in that for the US. Question is, are we paying attention?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 10:48:43 +0000

I don’t think japan should impose that kind of law. Isn’t being out of place enough? Its like double jeopardy, not only you are the only one of the few who has a big waist line but you also have to pay for it. And besides if they impose that rule, japan should also offer solutions such as free gym or something to those who are fat hereditarily.

By: miss

miss — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:53:59 +0000

then i guess 40% of the japanese peepz will be summo wrestlers just to keep them eating! and then there will be female summo wrestlers too who will make it to the champ because they are bigger than men… hehehe!^^,
actually, i’ve been here in japan for two months now, but i don’t really see (should i say) “fat” natives…

By: yu_wi_in_JP

yu_wi_in_JP — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:12:07 +0000

I think “the size” is not a matter…..but once you live in jp, you would start worrying about “the size”!!!! I am 100% Japanese living in Tokyo, so I know what it is….. (
When I was in the states, nobody told me that I have to lose weight, but back in JP, many people told me to do it!!! It is very hard for fat, chubby people to live in Japan. I understand that we all should think about “health” seriously, but I really wanna say this to Japanese goverment, “Leave me alone!!!!!!!!”

By: Trish

Trish — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:46:03 +0000

What’s up with Japan?

Why is their suicide rate one of the highest in the world? This waistline nonsense could onset more detergent-suicides.

I think they keep imposing unrealistic expectations on their citizens and they’re stressing people out.

All they should do is INFORM people of the health risks related to obesity.

Enforcing a waistline limit is obnoxious!

By: Raya

Raya — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 09:00:53 +0000

Wow, the waistline limit sounds harsh but then in the U.S. the airlines can charge heavy people for 2 seats.
It is true a large waistline is not good for a person but this seems to be overstepping the line of what a government can do.

And Yumi I feel your pain. I am the same build as you and I live in Japan too I think we are considered bigger women here!

By: Yumi

Yumi — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 05:33:18 +0000

I’m 5′4, 130lbs but I cannot find my clothes in Japan! I know I’m not big in States but I’m big here. I don’t want my goverment tell me waist limit…it doesn’t mean you’re not healthy if you have big stomach. They should have another way to tell poeple stay healthy.

By: Genesis

Genesis — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 03:19:33 +0000

I don’t totally agree with Japan, because they pay taxes, but all things considered being “Big” isn’t healthy and it never will be. People aren’t designed to carry that much weight on their bodies. Also Japan is looking at the long trem cst, less medical bills, more producive citizens and a larger population… wait they might need to reconsider

By: Kay

Kay — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 02:41:11 +0000

That’s insane. As long as your healthy it shouldn’t matter how big your waistline is.

By: Vince769

Vince769 — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 22:20:08 +0000

According to this article, the women in Japan have bigger waitlines than the men…as far as I know, the women in this country like their men a little bigger, not the other way around.

By: Nik

Nik — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:03:06 +0000

well its about time …and its only a matter of time before they start doing it in other countries….and send the extra food to countries who actually need it.

By: mrsFAB

mrsFAB — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 20:31:48 +0000

Oh my, if they had that “law” in the U.S. then we’re in trouble!

By: babyboy609

babyboy609 — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:18:58 +0000

I actually don’t think it’s a bad idea… some people need limits or they will eat themselves to early death.

By: Tiff B

Tiff B — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:17:03 +0000

Interesting….but what about Sumo Wrestlers?