The Secret of Japanese Women's Beauty: Miso Soup Over Diet Drinks? The "Japanese Soup Method" Gaining Attention in France - Until Miso Soup Was Rediscovered as a "Slimming Soup"

From France, "The Secret Drink of the Japanese" Goes Viral

"Because they drink this all day, many Japanese people are slim"—
such a provocative title was featured in the French women's magazine 'BIBA' on November 30, 2025.Biba Magazine

The article pointed out Japan's low obesity rate. While the adult obesity rate in Japan is around 5%, in France it is about 15%, making the question "Why are Japanese people less prone to obesity?" a topic of interest in Western media for some time.Biba Magazine

This time, 'BIBA' focused not on supplements or smoothies, but on a familiar "cup" for us. Yes, a soup rich in ingredients based on dashi, particularly miso soup.Biba Magazine

"Food is not the enemy but an ally"—The French magazine conveyed the Japanese mindset

The article quotes Nicolas Chauvat, an expert in immunology and cell biology residing in Japan. He emphasizes the following perspective while studying the Japanese lifestyle.Biba Magazine

• "Consuming the right ingredients at the right time"

• Instead of extreme hunger, **"controlling calories while feeling satisfied"**

When it comes to dieting, "restraint" and "restriction" tend to be keywords, but Japanese food culture is full of ways to **"enjoy eating while maintaining your figure."**

As a symbol of this, soup consumed in small amounts throughout the day was introduced.Biba Magazine

The perspective that Japanese people "sip soup frequently"

According to 'BIBA', soup is incorporated in Japan in the following style.Biba Magazine

• A cup with breakfast

• A cup before lunch or as a snack substitute

• Not drinking a lot at night, but in small amounts during the day

Furthermore, unlike Western potages or cream soups, Japanese soups have the following characteristics.Biba Magazine

• Limited use of high-carb ingredients like potatoes and legumes

• Seaweeds like wakame and leafy vegetables like komatsuna and spinach are the stars

• Low in fats, focusing on water and dietary fiber

In other words, they are designed to be low-calorie yet chewy and satisfying.

Not just salt, but the "potassium power" of miso

When hearing "drink a lot of soup," the first concern for Japanese people is salt content.
The 'BIBA' article also touches on the point that "Japanese soups are low in salt, or the potassium in miso helps expel sodium."Biba Magazine

Excessive salt intake is said to not only cause temporary weight gain (swelling) but also negatively affect metabolism. The key here is potassium. Potassium helps expel sodium from the body and supports the removal of excess water. Miso, seaweed, and vegetables are rich in potassium, making Japanese-style soups characterized by **"being easy to balance water content overall, despite containing salt."**Biba Magazine

However, of course, it's not a matter of "the more miso, the better." Making it too salty simply leads to excessive salt intake. What's important is designing it to be satisfying with a light base and plenty of ingredients.

Why miso soup is being re-evaluated as a "slimming soup"

In the article, miso soup is introduced as a particularly symbolic presence.Biba Magazine

• The umami of dashi (bonito flakes and kelp)

• Miso as a fermented food

• Ingredients like wakame and tofu

This combination is said to give miso soup the following characteristics.

1. Low calorie
   The article introduces it as containing about 84kcal per cup, with a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.Biba Magazine

2. High water content, easy to feel full
   The "bulk" of the soup provides a sense of having eaten more than the actual amount consumed.

3. Surprisingly high chewing count
   Cutting ingredients larger increases chewing, helps control blood sugar spikes, and stimulates the satiety center.Biba Magazine

4. The trio of fermented foods + seaweed + vegetables
   This combination is noted overseas for its potential positive effects on gut health and mineral balance.

Chauvat explains, "Instead of blending the ingredients into a puree, the Japanese style is to cut them large and float them in the soup." This is also logical in terms of "carbohydrates that are not absorbed too quickly."Biba Magazine

How did social media react? Voices from X, Instagram, and TikTok

After the article was published, various reactions were seen on social media in both France and Japan (summarized below as typical voices).

Voices from French users (from X)

• "I thought it was a magical diet drink, but it's just miso soup. Still, I want to try it!"

• "Might be much cheaper and more practical than smoothies. I want to bring it to work in a thermos."

• "It might be a high hurdle for us with our bread and cheese culture, but it's better than binge eating at night."

Voices from Japanese users (X / Instagram)

• "It's funny that something we've been drinking for ages is now being treated as a 'secret drink.'"

• "When praised from abroad, it makes me want to drink miso soup properly."

• "It's not like 'all Japanese drink miso soup all day,' but it might indeed be a way of eating that's hard to gain weight from."

• "Glad the article touched on the salt content. It would be frustrating if that was ignored."

Is there a "Japanese Soup Challenge" on TikTok too?

On the short video platform, there were projects like the "Japanese Soup Challenge," where people actually drank miso soup before lunch or as a snack substitute for a week.

• People showing daily weight changes in graphs

• People serving miso soup in stylish bowls, aiming for "miso soup photogenic"

• Realists saying "instant miso soup is enough"

and more, showing that it's being received not just as a diet project but as **"content to experience Japanese culture."**

"Just drinking miso soup will make you lose weight" is a misconception

What needs to be emphasized here is that miso soup is merely one piece of maintaining a balanced diet.

The 'BIBA' article also explains that the basic principle is "to consume necessary calories and nutrients in a balanced way." Extreme calorie restriction or diets that involve eating only specific foods can lead to rebound and health risks.Biba Magazine

When incorporating miso soup, the following perspectives are important.

• Miso soup as part of rice, main dish, and side dishes

• Occasionally choosing miso soup instead of snacks

• Being mindful of "low salt + lots of ingredients"

Moreover, it is recommended to adjust according to your health condition, chronic diseases, and lifestyle, and consult a doctor or nutritionist if necessary.

Ideas for easily adopting a "Japanese-style soup habit" from today

Finally, for those who read this article and thought "I might try it," here are some ideas that can be easily incorporated without strain.

1. Make a cup of miso soup a fixed part of your morning menu
   ・Instant miso soup is fine.##HTML_TAG