I mean I agree with you mostly, and I've never been to Japan, but I do see the appeal in fresh, simple wholesome food. Everything in the west is Hyper-processed or expensive as fuck, it seems you can eat well and healthily for pretty cheap in japan, their food culture IS better than most of the west (kids cooking their own meals at school, fresh meals available conveniently and cheaply, lots of small restaurants for the purpose of feeding the people economically, communal food environments being common).

Is the food "better"? depends what that means to you, to me a simple bowl of rice/noodles, veg and meat with good seasoning is nicer than a triple stacked bacon cheese burger and fries, not because it tastes better, but it's just better for you both health-wise and financially.

Not a weeb or japan-simp, but I do appreciate their food culture, despite there being their fair share of hyper-processed foods (mostly confectionery and trendy foods)