Japan is a country in Eastern Asia with a population of around 126 million people and a high population density. The average height of the Japanese population is among the highest in the world. Despite a slight decline in the average height over the last decade, Japan remains one of the taller countries.
Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the average height of the Japanese population. In this article, we will explore the average Japanese height, Japanese growth patterns, and the influence of culture, genetics, and nutrition on Japanese height.
1. Average Height of Japanese Men
The average height of Japanese men is the third tallest in the world and the highest in East Asia. According to the Japanese Ministry of Health, the average height of Japanese men in 2017 was 167 cm (5’6”). This is higher than the global average of 166 cm (5’5”).
Japanese men have been growing taller since the 1950s. This is largely due to improved nutrition in the country.
The World Health Organization suggests that increasing access to nutritious food has been a key driver of the growth of Japanese men. While the average height of Japanese men is still increasing, the rate of growth has been slowing over the past decade.
Meanwhile, average height among Japanese women is slightly lower than that of men but is still among the tallest in the world. The average height of women in 2017 was 158 cm (5’2”), which is slightly above the global average of 156 cm (5’1”).
2. Japanese Growth Patterns
Height is determined by many factors, including genetics and nutrition. Studies have suggested that Japanese people have similar growth patterns to those in other countries.
Usually, Japanese men go through three main growth stages: infancy, puberty, and adulthood. Infancy: During infancy, Japanese babies increase their height by around 18 cm (1”) each year.
This is similar to the growth pattern of other East Asian countries. Infants are usually taller than those in other countries, which can give them an advantage in the future.
Puberty: During puberty, Japanese teenagers gain an average of 18 cm (1”) in height. This is typically lower than the global average of height gains during puberty.
Growth during puberty, however, varies from person to person. Adulthood: Once adults, the average height of Japanese people tends to remain relatively stable. Studies suggests that adults gain an average of 1 cm (0.
4”) in height each year. This is in line with the growth pattern of adults in other countries.
3. Culture, Genetics, and Nutrition
Culture: Japanese culture focuses heavily on nutrition and physical health, which is likely a factor in the height of Japanese people. Many Japanese people have a diet high in fish, whole grains, and green tea, which are known to be beneficial to growth.
The Japanese education system also provides a continual and rigorous physical education regime that encourages physical growth. Genetics: Japanese people have similar average heights to other East Asian countries, such as Korea and China. Studies have found that East Asians tend to be taller than Europeans due to genetic differences, suggesting that genetic differences may explain why Japanese people are taller than the global average.
Nutrition: Nutrition plays an important role in the height of Japanese people. In Japan, food is readily available, affordable, and a staple part of the culture. This contributes to the population’s average height.
In addition to this, dietary supplements are popular among Japanese adults, which may contribute to their height.
4. Decline in Average Height
Studies suggest that the average height of Japanese people has been declining over the past decade. In 2007, the average height of Japanese men was 168 cm (5’6”), while in 2017 it was 167 cm (5’6”). Similarly, the average height of Japanese women decreased from 159 cm (5’3”) to 158 cm (5’2”) over the same time period.
Although the average height of Japanese people have been declining, the nation still remains one of the taller countries in the world. This is likely due to the health and nutrition standards of the country, combined with a rigorous physical education system.
5. Variations in Height
Within Japan, there is still significant variation in the average height of different regions and social groups. The most populated coastal regions tend to have higher average heights than those in rural and mountainous areas.
In addition, there is evidence to suggest that the wealthiest Japanese people are taller on average than the poorest. This could indicate a correlation between wealth and height in Japan.
6. Height Around the World
Japan is one of the tallest countries in the world, with an average height that is higher than most other countries. The nation is surpassed in average height by the Netherlands and Montenegro, which are the tallest countries in the world with an average height of 171 cm (5’7”) and 168 cm (5’6”) respectively.
The average height of some of Japan’s nearest neighbours is also shorter. South Korea and China have an average height of 164 cm (5’4”) and 164 cm (5’4”) respectively. The United States, on the other hand, has an average height of 177 cm (5’10”).
7. Impact of Immigration
The influx of immigrants to Japan in recent years has had an influence on the average height of Japanese people. There are around two million foreign nationals living in Japan, mostly from other East Asian countries such as China and South Korea.
Research suggests that the average height of foreign residents in Japan is lower than average, which could have had a small influence on the decline in the nation’s average height. However, the answer will depend on the composition of the foreign population, as those from different countries may have differing growth patterns.
8. Japanese Growth Compared to Other East Asians
Studies suggest that Japanese people are taller than other East Asian countries, such as China and South Korea. An analysis of data from the World Health Organisation suggest that the average height of Japanese people is higher than all other countries in the region. One explanation for the higher average height of the Japanese population is their diet, which is higher in fish, whole grains, and green tea.
These are all known to be beneficial for growth and development, which could help explain why the nation has a higher average height than other East Asian countries.
9. Reasons for the Decline in Height
The decline in the average height of Japanese people over the past decade may have been caused by a number of factors. These include changes in diet, lifestyle, and environment. Nutrition: Changes in access to and consumption of nutritious food may explain the decline of average height.
Studies suggest that the Japanese diet has become less nutritious in recent years, with people eating more processed and convenience foods, as well as fewer fruits and vegetables. Lifestyle: Physical inactivity and the widespread availability of video games may also explain the decline in average height.
Environment: Pollution and other environmental factors may have impacted the growth and development of Japanese people. Studies suggest that there is a correlation between higher rates of pollution and lower average heights in some countries.
10. Implications of Decline
The decline in the average height of the Japanese population could have an impact on the nation’s health. Lower height could be associated with greater risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Furthermore, the lower average height could also reduce life expectancy in the country. In addition, the decline in average height could also have implications for the economy of the country. Lower height tends to be associated with lower economic productivity, as shorter people may have fewer job opportunities and lower wages.
11. Growing Taller with Nutrition
Nutrition is one of the key factors in determining the height of Japanese people. Studies have found that access to and consumption of nutritious food is important for growth and development.
Calcium, proteins, and vitamins are key nutrients for growth. Therefore, it is important for Japanese people to consume foods such as dairy, eggs, fish, and green vegetables, which are rich in these nutrients. Furthermore, calcium supplements can be beneficial for growth.
12. Impact of the Environment
The environment can also affect the average height of the Japanese population. Studies suggest that rising temperatures and declining air quality may have a negative impact on growth and development.
Therefore, it is important for the Japanese government to take action to protect the environment, which may help to ensure the health and growth of the nation’s people.
13. Conclusion
In conclusion, Japan has one of the tallest populations in the world, with the average height of 167 cm (5’6”) for men and 158 cm (5’2”) for women. While the average height of the nation has been declining over the past decade, Japan is still one of the tallest countries in the world.
Factors such as culture, genetics, nutrition, lifestyle factors, and the environment all contribute to the nation’s average height. Implementing policies that promote nutrition and protect the environment may help to ensure the growth and development of the Japanese people.