Abstract:The Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) and Japanese dietary pattern (JDP) have
received increasing attention from the scientific community and media, predominantly due to
their association with increased longevity and health. Although similarities between the two
dietary patterns are evident, a detailed comparison between them is still relatively unexplored.
This narrative review aimed to explore the similarities and differences between the MDP and
JDP in terms of longevity while also reflecting on the adoption of these diets by other populations
outside their regions of origin. Both dietary patterns are plant-based, minimally processed,
and sustainable for their respective regions and have been shown to significantly prolong life
expectancy in different populations. Nevertheless, these dietary patterns also differ in terms of
macronutrient ratios, food preparation and consumption and individual cultural characteristics
of each population. Additionally, both dietary patterns are part of broader lifestyle patterns,
which include other behaviors, such as abstaining from smoking, engaging in regular physical
activity, having low stress levels and a sense of community, spirituality/religiousness and purpose.
The promotion of these two dietary patterns should be implemented in other regions after
considering cultural and socio-economical characteristics.