#日本 #Japan #Tokyo #Cookpad #時短レシピ

The Shift Towards Quick Dinner Recipes in Japan

In recent years, the landscape of dinner preparation in Japan has undergone a significant transformation, fueled primarily by the increasing prevalence of dual-income households. A study conducted by Cookpad, Japan's leading recipe service, explored the evolving trends in quick dinner recipes and the preferences of busy individuals. The findings offer a revealing glimpse into how time constraints are reshaping dinner preparations.

Peak Searching Times for Quick Recipes

The investigation revealed a notable shift in the peak search times for quick and efficient recipes. Over the last decade, the demand for recipes categorized under 'quick' or 'time-saving' has distinctly moved from the late afternoon (5 PM) to the early evening (6 PM). This adjustment indicates a growing trend among individuals returning home from work and needing to initiate cooking almost immediately.

Statistics illustrate that the percentage of searches conducted during 6 PM has surged to approximately 15.4%, a significant rise from 9.6% in preceding eras. This change can be directly linked to the increasing number of dual-income families, which has risen from 61.8% in 2015 to an anticipated 71.9% by 2024. Thus, the need for swift dinner solutions has intensified considerably.

Diversifying Cooking Methods

In light of these demands, the critical cooking methods featured in popular quick recipes indicate a marked diversification. Rather than seeing a singular method dominating, the trends reflect various approaches to expedite cooking time.

Breakdown of Popular Cooking Techniques:

• - Grilled Dishes: Grilled cabbage, maitake mushrooms, miso-glazed pork, tofu okonomiyaki, pork kimchi fried rice, tacos rice.
• - Simmered Dishes: Chicken thighs in tomato sauce, chicken tomato milk soup, dry curry, flavorful simmered thick fried tofu and cabbage.
• - Fried Dishes: Salted fried chicken, curry fried chicken breast.

Common Features of Quick Recipes:

• - Simplicity of Cooking Steps: Efficient cooking that reduces complex procedures.
• - Minimized Risk of Failure: Greater tolerance levels in grilling and seasoning variations.
• - Limited Use of Cooking Tools: Streamlined cooking with fewer utensils for maximum efficiency.

Shift from Planning to Spontaneity in Dinner Preparation

Moreover, the study revealed a fundamental shift in the behavior surrounding dinner menu searches. The frequency of late-night pre-planning searches has seen a dramatic decrease, plummeting from 10.7% in 2015 to just 5.5% expected by 2025. This significant reduction emphasizes a waning habit of pre-preparing meals, showcasing a shift towards spontaneity and immediate decision-making when it comes to dinner.

Enjoying Dinner Despite a Busy Schedule

As dual-income households continue to rise, the pressure around timely cooking intensifies. With limited time to prepare, the urgency of creating ‘fail-proof’ meals highlights a clear need for reliable recipes among consumers. Cookpad has observed a growing affinity for recipes that simplify the cooking process and minimize risks, allowing individuals to balance their busy lifestyles while still achieving delicious food.

These sought-after recipes are often shared under positive affirmations such as “It’s easy yet gourmet!” and “It's now a household favorite!”, indicating their practicality and adaptability for everyday cooking.

Cookpad's Assurance of Time-Saving Recipes

Throughout its service, Cookpad remains dedicated to supporting those juggling time constraints, ensuring that every meal can still be a pleasurable experience. The platform continues to generate recipes that are not only quick and easy to follow but also rich in flavor, reflecting the changing landscape of home cooking.

As we navigate this evolving culinary environment, Cookpad aims to empower individuals by delivering solutions that cater to their needs, fostering a culture where the joy of cooking is attainable amidst a busy lifestyle.

About Cookpad

Cookpad Inc. operates with the mission of making everyday cooking enjoyable. Offering various services, including the recipe search platform 'Cookpad' used across 67 countries, the AI coaching service 'moment', and the fresh food marketplace 'Cookpad Mart', Cookpad seeks to foster rich futures for people, society, and the planet through cooking.

Address: 2-22-44 Ohashi, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan 153-0044
CEO: Akimitsu Sano
Founded: October 1, 1997
Capital: 50 million yen (as of March 2025)
Employees: 105 (as of March 2025, consolidated)