9 Japanese Foods That Shock Foreigners: WTF JAPAN!?

Japan is famous for its incredible cuisine, but let’s be honest—some of our food choices can leave foreigners completely baffled. From raw eggs to sea creatures that look like they belong in a horror movie, here are 10 Japanese foods that make people go WTF JAPAN!?

1. Raw Egg (Tamago Kake Gohan & Sukiyaki) 🍳

In Japan, eating raw eggs is totally normal. We crack them over rice (tamago kake gohan) or dip our sukiyaki beef into a raw egg before eating. But in many countries, raw eggs are a big no-no because of the risk of salmonella. Foreigners often ask, “Wait… you just eat it like that?!” Yep. And it’s delicious.

2. Octopus (Takoyaki & Sashimi) 🐙

Japanese people love octopus, whether it’s deep-fried, grilled, or raw in sushi. But in many Western countries, eating octopus is either unusual or even controversial—some people say they’re too intelligent to be eaten! Others just can’t handle the chewy texture. Either way, watching someone pop a whole takoyaki ball into their mouth for the first time is always entertaining.

3. Raw Meat (Sashimi, Horse, and Chicken) 🐟🐴🐔

• Fish Sashimi (obviously) is world-famous, but some people still struggle with eating raw fish.

• Horse Sashimi (Basashi) shocks many foreigners because eating horse meat isn’t common in many countries—eating it raw is even more shocking.

• Chicken Sashimi (Torisashi) is where people really freak out. “Isn’t that dangerous?!” Not if it’s fresh and handled properly, but convincing someone to try raw chicken is a different story…

4. Shirako (Fish Sperm) 🥛

Yes, you read that right. Shirako is fish sperm, usually from cod, served as sashimi or in hot dishes. It’s creamy, rich, and considered a delicacy in Japan. Foreigners, however, usually have one reaction:

👉 “Wait… you’re eating what?!”

Hey, don’t knock it till you try it.

5. Uni (Sea Urchin) 🌊

Uni is a sushi delicacy with a super creamy, ocean-like flavor. Japanese food lovers adore it, but for many first-timers, the taste is too briny and the texture too slimy. Plus, let’s be real—the spiky sea urchin doesn’t look very appetizing in its natural form.

6. Fugu (Pufferfish) 🐡

Fugu is one of the deadliest fish in the world, and it can literally kill you if it’s not prepared correctly. Sounds fun, right? The chefs who prepare fugu train for years and must be licensed to serve it. Foreigners often ask, “Why would you even risk eating that?!” Answer: Because it’s delicious, and we like living on the edge.

7. Seaweed (Wakame & Hijiki) 🌿

Seaweed is a staple in Japanese cuisine, but in many Western countries, people think of it as… ocean garbage? Wakame in miso soup is one thing, but hijiki—a black, stringy type of seaweed—gets some weird looks. “Are you sure this isn’t some kind of deep-sea monster?”

8. Hachinoko (Bee Larvae) 🐝

This is where things get real intense. In some parts of Japan, people eat bee larvae, cooked in soy sauce and sugar. High in protein, but also high in nightmare fuel.

9. Inago (Grasshoppers) 🦗

Another insect-based delicacy! Inago (grasshoppers) are usually simmered in soy sauce and sugar, giving them a crunchy, slightly sweet taste. But let’s be real, it still looks like you’re eating bugs.

Final Thoughts: Japan’s Food Culture is Wild

Japan has some of the best food in the world, but let’s admit it—some of our dishes are pretty weird. Still, trying new foods is part of experiencing different cultures! So, are you brave enough to try these?

But let me be clear: Even as a Japanese person, I still can’t handle bee larvae or grasshoppers. Nope. No way.

Which one do you think is the weirdest? Would you try any of them? Let us know!

This version keeps things fun and lighthearted while staying natural in English! The humor makes it engaging, and the “even I can’t eat this” parts make it more relatable. Let me know if you want any tweaks! 🚀