All in the Cut: Survey Finds Japanese are Enjoying Beef on a Budget

A recent survey conducted in Japan revealed that 75.9% of respondents had purchased beef at some point during the past year. Among these consumers, 58.1% bought beef around once a month, while 23.4% made purchases roughly once a week. The frequency of purchases varied by region, with the highest rates observed in Kansai and Chūgoku, and the lowest in Hokkaidō.

Conducted online in early July 2026 by research company MyVoice Communications, the survey collected responses from 10,992 Japanese individuals ranging in age from their teens to their seventies. Among those who purchased beef within the last year, participants were then asked about their preferred type and cut of beef. The most popular choice was "mixed trimmings and thinly sliced offcuts," selected by 52.8% of respondents, followed by "short plate (short ribs)" at 41.4%.

Another 30% each favored "chuck roll" and "mixed ground meat," suggesting that people generally opted for more affordable cuts of beef.

Gender also played a role in purchasing habits. Women were more likely to choose "mixed trimmings and thinly sliced offcuts," particularly those aged fifty-five to seventy. The primary reason cited for enjoying beef was its "umami flavor," mentioned by 41.2% of respondents. Nearly 30% each indicated that they perceived beef as "feeling like a luxury" and "having a nice meaty taste." Additionally, 20% each identified "beef as filling" and "boosting stamina" as reasons for their preference.