I'm an expat who has lived in Okinawa, Japan, for two years. The quality of life and even the fast food is better here than in America.

Yoonji HanJan 12, 2024, 17:47 IST

Acasia Olson in Okinawa, where she's been living since October 2021.Courtesy of Acasia Olson

Acasia Olson has been living in Okinawa, Japan, with her family since October 2021.
She said she's noticed huge differences in the food, lifestyle, and peace of mind compared to America.

I've been living in Okinawa for the past two years as a military spouse with my husband and two children.

Acasia Olson with her two children at their home in Okinawa.Courtesy of Acasia Olson

Okinawa has a distinctly different vibe from mainland Japan. It has much more of a laidback energy and a certain type of tranquility.

Kondoi beach in Taketomi Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.Nano Calvo/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

There's a ton of fresh foods and farmer markets here. The food feels cleaner than in America, which is something I've also noticed in other countries — you don't feel as heavy, but still feel satiated.

An Okinawan dish of rice, ground meat, and vegetables wrapped in pandan leaves.Courtesy of Acasia Olson

There's a ton of fresh foods and farmer markets here. The food feels cleaner than in America, which is something I've also noticed in other countries — you don't feel as heavy, but still feel satiated.

Something I especially love is that the vending machines have sweet potatoes. The mochi here is also so good. The desserts are so subtly sweet, rather than overwhelmingly so.

Olson in front of a sweet potato vending machine in Okinawa.Courtesy of Acasia Olson

Something I especially love is that the vending machines have sweet potatoes. The mochi here is also so good. The desserts are so subtly sweet, rather than overwhelmingly so.

There's still KFC and Domino's here, but even the fast food here is different. For example, the McDonald's has shrimp patty burgers and teriyaki chicken burgers that seem higher-quality than the ground meat patties and fried chicken sandwiches we have at American McDonald's.

In addition to classic Chicken McNuggets, Japan's McDonald's has tofu nuggets, which are based on a traditional side dish that uses tofu, vegetables, and fish.Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP via Getty Images

There's still KFC and Domino's here, but even the fast food here is different. For example, the McDonald's has shrimp patty burgers and teriyaki chicken burgers that seem higher-quality than the ground meat patties and fried chicken sandwiches we have at American McDonald's.

I'll admit I have not always been obedient to the "80% full" practice, but it is frowned upon here to order too much food or to waste food. The portion sizes here tend to be smaller.

A meal of tempura and fresh vegetables in Okinawa.Courtesy of Acasia Olson

I'll admit I have not always been obedient to the "80% full" practice, but it is frowned upon here to order too much food or to waste food. The portion sizes here tend to be smaller.

I've found that I've been more physically active here, too, like going for walks along the sea wall and taking my daughters out to the parks and playgrounds.

Olson has taken up running with her friends.Courtesy of Acasia Olson

I feel way more carefree and safe here: I don't feel like I have to worry about my children or leaving my purse somewhere. I think that's a big piece of Blue Zone longevity: Certain stressors you typically find in countries like the US aren't here.

Olson enjoying a seaside trail in Okinawa with her daughter.Courtesy of Acasia Olson

I feel way more carefree and safe here: I don't feel like I have to worry about my children or leaving my purse somewhere. I think that's a big piece of Blue Zone longevity: Certain stressors you typically find in countries like the US aren't here.

Another thing I've learned in Okinawa is the joys of living simply. We live in a home that is significantly smaller than the one we lived in the US, which has made us more mindful of the stuff we have.

Olson doing aerial silks yoga in Okinawa, where she says she feels more at peace.Courtesy of Acasia Olson

Another thing I've learned in Okinawa is the joys of living simply. We live in a home that is significantly smaller than the one we lived in the US, which has made us more mindful of the stuff we have.

My daughters go to a Japanese school, and they've been taught the importance of acknowledging one another, even if it's just saying hi. It's part of the ikigai concept — recognizing one another and the value that we each hold.

Elementary school children in Japan.Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP via Getty Images

My daughters go to a Japanese school, and they've been taught the importance of acknowledging one another, even if it's just saying hi. It's part of the ikigai concept — recognizing one another and the value that we each hold.

Overall, it's been rewarding and a blessing to live in Okinawa. It's beautiful and restorative, even magical, and I'm grateful that we're here.

Kabira Bay Beach, Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, Japan.Getty Images

I tried the heart-healthy DASH diet for a week. I had more energy and felt less anxious in the morning.

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I'm an expat who has lived in Okinawa, Japan, for two years. The quality of life and even the fast food is better here than in America.

I've been living in Okinawa for the past two years as a military spouse with my husband and two children.

Okinawa has a distinctly different vibe from mainland Japan. It has much more of a laidback energy and a certain type of tranquility.

There's a ton of fresh foods and farmer markets here. The food feels cleaner than in America, which is something I've also noticed in other countries — you don't feel as heavy, but still feel satiated.

Something I especially love is that the vending machines have sweet potatoes. The mochi here is also so good. The desserts are so subtly sweet, rather than overwhelmingly so.

There's still KFC and Domino's here, but even the fast food here is different. For example, the McDonald's has shrimp patty burgers and teriyaki chicken burgers that seem higher-quality than the ground meat patties and fried chicken sandwiches we have at American McDonald's.

I'll admit I have not always been obedient to the "80% full" practice, but it is frowned upon here to order too much food or to waste food. The portion sizes here tend to be smaller.

I've found that I've been more physically active here, too, like going for walks along the sea wall and taking my daughters out to the parks and playgrounds.

I feel way more carefree and safe here: I don't feel like I have to worry about my children or leaving my purse somewhere. I think that's a big piece of Blue Zone longevity: Certain stressors you typically find in countries like the US aren't here.

Another thing I've learned in Okinawa is the joys of living simply. We live in a home that is significantly smaller than the one we lived in the US, which has made us more mindful of the stuff we have.

My daughters go to a Japanese school, and they've been taught the importance of acknowledging one another, even if it's just saying hi. It's part of the ikigai concept — recognizing one another and the value that we each hold.

Overall, it's been rewarding and a blessing to live in Okinawa. It's beautiful and restorative, even magical, and I'm grateful that we're here.