Japanese Nutritionist Highlights Six ‘Longevity Foods’ from Costco Japan Visit

During a recent visit to the Costco Yawata Warehouse in Kyoto, certified nutritionist and longevity expert Michiko Tomioka explored the retailer’s Japanese offerings and discovered an impressive selection of traditional foods that support healthy aging. Tomioka, originally from Nara, Japan and currently living in the U.S., praised the store’s assortment of nutrient-rich staples rarely found in American locations.

While the layout resembled that of U.S. Costco stores, Tomioka was struck by the abundance of regional, seasonal, and plant-based items. “There were regional items, seasonally sourced ingredients, and healthier snacks that I rarely find back home,” she noted. Among her top six "longevity foods" were:

Tofu | Source: Pexels

• Seaweed varieties such as mozuku, nori, aosa, wakame, and others like kombu and hijiki. Rich in minerals, vitamins, and polyphenols, these seaweeds are key components of a plant-based Japanese diet.
• Tofu and soy-based foods, including vacuum-sealed and freeze-dried koya tofu. Tomioka highlighted their versatility and long shelf life, ideal for healthy home cooking.
• Seasonal produce, featuring Japanese eggplants, mushrooms, and leafy greens like komatsuna and hakusai. Hokkaido potatoes were also available in bulk.
• Ready-to-eat meals, such as microwavable multigrain rice bowls, instant miso soup, and cooked fish, offered quick yet nutritious meal options.
• Traditional rice crackers (senbei) in various flavors, including those with sesame seeds, seaweed, and soy powder, were popular snacks.
• Green tea products, including bottled, bagged, and powdered forms, were prominently featured. “Almost every shopper had a green tea product in their cart,” Tomioka observed.

Green tea | Source: Pexels

Tomioka’s insights underscore the value of traditional Japanese foods in supporting longevity and wellness, and highlight the unique offerings of Costco Japan.