I was also recently in Japan, as I’ve read many times, they seem to be healthier than North Americans. The food environment likely plays a large role, we know that it’s largely what drives the overconsumption in NA — easily available highly processed high calorie foods. That said, their medical costs per capita are about the same as ours, though they likely have an older population already.

Speaking as a policy analyst, I rarely look to the USA for inspiration, usually it’s other commonwealths, Britain, and some of the European countries. I admit not looking to Japan.

Glad to hear you’re enjoying Keller’s book, an excerpt was published in the G&M while I was in Japan, fantastic reading, and I’m looking forward to the book.