Abstract
We investigated dietary life from the standpoint of living conditions and dwelling space in the suburban residential area of Gakuenmae in Nara Prefecture. The aim of this study is to analyze the dietary life of residents, including the food supply, the amount and type of cooking done at home, and the frequency of receiving catered meals or eating out at restaurants. Nearly all residents, especially housewives, go shopping to buy cooking ingredients, and the demand for delivery services will only increase. Many elderly people prefer side dishes; therefore, outsourcing meal preparation will also increase. In the suburbs, cooking should be more important for each member of the family in a “gender-equal society." Regarding the issues related to meal service and space, residents prefer high quality meals made with carefully selected local ingredients, and affordable restaurants within walking distance from their home. We maintain that it is important to consider the development of a residential support system that coincides with the dwelling style of residents, including their dietary life and dwelling space, when planning suburban areas.
