OOkinawa

Spam consumption in Okinawa is the third highest in the world, after the United States and the United Kingdom.

  • May 19, 2026

There’s a reason why a single prefecture ranks just behind those countries. When Okinawa was under U.S. military rule, one of the few meat products commonly available through goods diverted from the American military was Spam. Even today, Spam is cheaper in Okinawa than in most other parts of Japan.

By the way, in Okinawa, a brand called Tulip is actually more popular than Spam.

by Away_Trash_2156

13 comments

  1. It’s funny, we’re here right now and I was laughing at all the spam after hearing people call Okinawa the Hawaii of Japan.
    Oh and also tulip is Danish and I’ve literally never seen their canned product home in Denmark, might take one home lol

  2. When I landed in Okinawa, I was surprised by the number of Spam branded merch (shirts, bags) I saw, until someone who lives there told me about the factory.

    Korea also has an interesting history with Spam and US military bases, back when times were (very) lean. We have a popular spam dish called budae chige (부대찌개) that literally translates as army stew. And of course Japan and especially Hawaii with Spam musubi. 

  3. I don’t remember spam being quite so prevalent in the early 2000s there. Or at least not all the spam merch.

    I wonder why it’s become so popular.

  4. The Pork Tamago Spam Onigiri sandwich is legendary. Add some sea grapes and you’re in heaven.

  5. Spam musubi is delicious. I love spam. It’s also hugely popular in Guam.

  6. Amazing how the most carcinogenic meat is found also where the most centenarians live

  8. We have a few cans of Tulip at home here in Michigan. My Okinawan in-laws ship us some every so often.

    My wife makes this killer dish of spam, tofu, and greens.

  9. I make my own spam with decent quality meat but I can’t seem to get the right texture.

  10. “and the United Kingdom” – really? I think I’ve only seen spam in the UK a handful of times in my whole life. I’ve never eaten it, know anyone who eats it (I guess who’s gone out their way to make that known at least) not seen it on menus more than a handful of times.

    Not suggesting this is wrong but I find it very surprising!

  11. I was pretty surprised by the UK revelation so I tried to look it up, with no luck. Can you share your data source?

  13. I live spam. I don’t care how it’s made. Give me a spam musubi any day of the week!

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