#Japan #Tokyo #Cardboard Cuisine #menu Co. #Moving Season

The Rise of 'Cardboard Cuisine' in the Moving Season

Approximately 60% of people have shared the experience of dining on cardboard right after relocating, according to a recent survey conducted by menu Co., a delivery application based in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This quirky phenomenon, known as 'cardboard cuisine,' has become a common occurrence during the hectic moving season, resonating with people's shared experiences of new beginnings.

Survey Findings: A Shared Experience

As the moving day unfolds, the sight of individuals having meals on cardboard boxes often emerges in movies and dramas, and it turns out that many people relate to this scenario in real life. The survey conducted on the official menu X account received 1,406 valid responses. An impressive 59.7% of respondents—about two out of three—reported having eaten on cardboard or the floor shortly after moving in.

Feedback from participants included comments such as:

• - “I think it’s something everyone goes through.”
• - “It’s just a classic case of moving day.”
• - “Every time I move, it ends up being like this.”

These comments indicate that 'cardboard cuisine' has become a well-recognized part of the moving experience.

Why Does 'Cardboard Cuisine' Become a Thing?

The responses also highlighted two main reasons why people find themselves resorting to cardboard meals after moving:

1. The 'No Furniture' Camp

• - “I didn’t have time to unpack before dinner.”
• - “Moving days are really chaotic!”

During the moving process, individuals are often preoccupied with heavy lifting, paperwork, and organizing, which leaves little time to set up their new living spaces. As a result, cardboard boxes frequently become makeshift dining tables.

2. The 'No Table Yet' Camp

• - “My table didn’t arrive on moving day.”
• - “I wanted to find the perfect table, so I used cardboard for a while.”

In many cases, delays in furniture delivery or the desire to take time in choosing the right table lead individuals to utilize cardboard boxes temporarily, making 'cardboard cuisine' a stopgap dining solution. Some reflect on their first meal on cardboard with nostalgia, stating, “Feeling overwhelmed and shedding tears while eating on a box has now turned into a cherished memory.” Such anecdotes showcase the emotional journey tied to a new chapter in life.

Convenience is Key After Moving

When it comes to meals chosen after moving, the focus is primarily on convenience. Popular options include:

• - Convenience store bento
• - Fast food like gyudon
• - Takeout dishes
• - Instant noodles
• - Delivery services

Comments from respondents revealed that many opted for these hassle-free choices due to exhaustion:

• - “Cooking felt like a chore, so I went for takeout or delivery.”
• - “I had cup noodles while working on my laptop using a cardboard box as a desk.”
• - “Everything from the convenience store tasted exceptional, probably due to how tired I was.”

During this challenging phase of moving, people tend to prioritize quick and easy meals, even if there’s a desire for something delightful at the same time.

Navigating a New Neighborhood with Confidence

In addition to not having a cooking setup, many individuals find themselves uncertain about their new surroundings: they may not know where to find certain stores or which places have good reviews. This can complicate meal decisions during an already exhausting time filled with relocation tasks.

To ease this dilemma, user reviews often play a crucial role. menu emphasizes the importance of customer feedback, providing not only star ratings but also specific product reviews. This assists users in making informed decisions about their meals, even when they're new to an area.

The app includes features like 'Repeat Rankings', which highlight frequently ordered dishes within the delivery area, and 'Your Recommendations', tailored to users' order histories and preferences, ensuring that even amidst the chaos of moving, comfort food is just a few taps away.

In conclusion, menu is committed to providing a reliable dining experience through user reviews, making meal selection stress-free, even in the midst of adjusting to new life environments.

Survey Overview:

• - Survey Period: February 24 to March 3, 2026
• - Methodology: Questionnaire conducted via menu's official X account (@menu_sns)
• - Valid Responses: 1,406

About menu Co.

Aiming to create a lifestyle infrastructure that provides easy access to everything you desire, menu is a Japanese delivery app that is redefining convenience. In 2023, it formed a joint venture with KDDI and Reazon HD, offering free delivery for Ponta pass members and a unique review feature for products. By continuing to deliver little moments of joy and fun each day, menu remains committed to enhancing the user experience in innovative ways.

• - Service Areas: 33 prefectures (Delivery)
• - App Download Fee: Free
• - Compatible OS: iOS/Android
• - App Download URL: Download menu App