Japan has a long history of producing high-quality rice. Aside from being an important part of the country’s diet, the grain has also played a significant cultural role. In recent years, however, western-style bread has been gradually making its way into dethroning rice as Japan’s number one staple --in terms of sale numbers at least.

According to recently published market data, the average Japanese consumer now spends more money on bread than they do on rice --but only by a small margin. The average household spent $345 on rice versus $351 on bread last year, which represents a 0.2% sales increase for the product since 2010.

While the research suggests that Japan may be gradually shifting away from its traditional diet, it also reveals a certain lack of confidence in the safety of domestic foods. Following last year’s nuclear disaster in Fukushima, rice shipments from a number of regions were banned due to possible contamination.

[Via Times Live]