I think the issue is that most people don't have time in the mornings to cook and eat a full meal. I think in Japan, the regular workday and school day start later to accomodate a longer breakfast.
I personally hate western "breakfast foods". For breakfast I usually make noodles (not the instant kind) and eat it alongside a fried egg and maybe some leftover veggies. Or I'll just microwave some leftovers (including rice) from the day before.
You might be right. I set the rice cooker on a timer the night before so that it's finished before I get up. Miso soup takes not much longer than the time to boil water, and I often leave it overnight and just re-heat it. Almost every kitchen in Japan has a fish grill/oven, so that only takes a few minutes to wrap the fish in foil and turn it on...ready in about 5-10 mins.
Back in the USA, I used to eat oatmeal with fresh fruit and honey every morning, and it took longer to prepare.
I personally hate western "breakfast foods". For breakfast I usually make noodles (not the instant kind) and eat it alongside a fried egg and maybe some leftover veggies. Or I'll just microwave some leftovers (including rice) from the day before.