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Japan’s cheap curry lunch faces an impossible trinity

Japan can preserve only two of three things: cheap everyday services, rising wages and minimal immigration. It can’t have all three at once.

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This isn’t Japanese curry rice but another variation, one that, like its British equivalent, has been entirely adapted to the local market.

This isn’t Japanese curry rice but another variation, one that, like its British equivalent, has been entirely adapted to the local market.

PHOTO: PEXELS

Gearoid Reidy

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The “Indian curry” lunch is a Japanese salaryman’s treat. Two or three mildly spiced dishes, paired with unlimited quantities of slightly sweet and extra fluffy naan, typically with a small salad and drink – a steal at only 1,000 yen (S$8) or so. 

This isn’t Japanese curry rice but another variation, one that, like its British equivalent, has been entirely adapted to the local market. Indeed, most “Indian” places – thought to be north of 4,000, more than the number of McDonald’s – are actually run by Nepalese.

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