1. Introduction
In Japanese households of the past, “homemade” cooking and housework were considered virtuous, and spending time to do things carefully was seen as the ideal home life. However, with the increase in dual-income households and diversification of lifestyles, styles that emphasize practicality and efficiency are becoming mainstream. This article explains the evolution of modern households from homemade supremacy to practicality-focused living, using specific examples.
2. Practical Points and Specific Examples
- **”The Era When Homemade Was Valued”**In households of the past, it was common for meals, clothing, and even home decorations to be handmade. For example, lunch boxes were prepared entirely from scratch every morning, and meals featuring miso soup made from homemade dashi stock were considered expressions of “family love.” Additionally, it was standard practice to prepare hand-knitted gloves and hand-sewn gym clothes bags for children’s school events, with handmade items becoming a symbol of the household.
- **”Modern Households Focused on Practicality”**Today, more households are prioritizing efficient use of time and effort rather than adhering to homemade everything. For instance, meal kits allow for quick preparation of balanced meals, and utilizing pre-prepared foods from supermarkets reduces meal preparation time. In housework too, efficiency has improved through the use of modern appliances like robot vacuum cleaners and washer-dryers. Through the use of such tools, families can reduce time spent on housework and cooking while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle for everyone.
- **”Evolution of Frozen Foods”**Frozen foods, once synonymous with “cutting corners,” have significantly improved in quality today. For example, frozen pizzas and fried rice that recreate restaurant-quality taste, as well as Japanese staples like simmered dishes and hot pot meals, can now be easily enjoyed at home. This makes it possible to bring the warmth of home cooking to the dinner table even on busy days.
- **”Background and Benefits of Practicality Focus”**The spread of practicality-focused home management is driven by the increase in dual-income households and diversification of individual lifestyles. This allows family members to use their time meaningfully without being bound by meals and housework. Moreover, the use of convenient services and appliances contributes to stress reduction and physical and mental health. The option to not be bound by homemade everything is being accepted as a means to increase household happiness.
3. Points to Note and Tips for Implementation
While pursuing convenience, it’s important to maintain family communication and balanced meals. For example, when choosing prepared or frozen foods, be mindful of additives and salt content, and focus on nutritious menu options. Even in efficiency-focused housework, it’s important to maintain the warmth unique to home life by putting extra effort into certain aspects (such as special occasion meals and preparation for children’s events).
4. Summary and Next Actions
As we shift from homemade supremacy to practicality-focused living, the forms of household management are diversifying. For your next shopping trip or household planning, try to find a balance that suits your lifestyle while utilizing convenient tools and services. Flexible household management that isn’t bound by homemade everything will be a key factor in supporting family happiness.
