Method

To determine how nutritionists and dieticians can be prepared before they visit Japan, some research has to be done. A group of third year nutrition and dietetics students from the University of The Hague will conduct an evidence based literature study.

The following subjects are included in this research report:

- The demographic characteristics of Japan
- The cultural aspects of Japan

- Common Japanese dishes, food and their dietary guidelines
- The common health problems in Japan
- The workings of the Japanese healthcare system
- The education of dieticians and nutritionists in Japan
- What kind of job activities a dietician or a nutritionist in Japan does

- The position of a dietician and nutritionist in Japan

During this research various databases were consulted like Cinahl, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Cochrane and BSL library.

Searching terms
Searching terms which were used are:

demographic characteristics Japan, demographic Japan, life expectancy Japan, high life expectancy Japan, urban and rural areas Japan, difference urban rural Japan, difference poor and rich Japan, gap rich and poorr Japan, hara hachi bu, dietary habits Japan, Japan economy, cultural aspects Japan, Sakoku Japanese history, individualization vs collectivism, Japan national religion, Japan small tips, position dietician Japan, position dietician, prestige, health care Japan, dietician care Japan, dietitican Japan, nutritional health care Japan, Japan health care, pharmaceuticals Japan, long-term care insurance system, job activities dietician/nutritionist Japan, work field dietician/nutritionist Japan, pursuits dietician  Japan, employment dietician  Japan, nutrition Japan, health problems Japan, Japan deficiencies, dietary risks Japan, nutritional problems Japan, Japan metabolic syndrome.

Evidence based research
The articles were reviewed by level of evidence, date, type of research, content and place of publication. On this basis a selection of articles is made which could be used for this research report.

Survey

Besides the literature research the students will interview a group of people who have a connection with Japan through a survey. The survey will contain questions on how it is in real life in Japan and what they know about the activities of a dietician in Japan.

Activity

The students will develop an activity for other Nutrition and Dietetics students, to show them the cultural habits, the food habits and the activities of a dietician in Japan.

Webpage
After the research and the interviews the student group will develop a webpage with all the results. A webpage had been chosen because of the easy accessibility for students who are interested in the nutritionist or dietician aspects for an internship or work in Japan.