What is globalization and what effect does it have on non-Western cultures? The Merrim-Websters Dictionary defines globalization as "the development of an increasingly integrated world economy, marked in particular by free trade, the free movement of capital, and the exploitation of cheaper foreign labor markets." When identifying the elements of globalization, outsourcing is perhaps the first thing that comes to mind. However, globalization and modernization go far beyond just outsourcing. In this article, we will look at two distinct examples of non-Western indigenous cultures that have been affected by globalization and analyze one of these two examples in more detail. (Merriam-Webster)In 1971, the first McDonald's restaurant opened in Japan, beginning a slow but steady change in the culture of the Japanese people. Traditional Japanese culture was largely centered around food with long-standing rituals. Before the arrival of fast food in Japan, one of the most recognized practices was that of Obentos. Obentos is a process by which food is prepared and prepared by Japanese mothers for their school-age children. Because of the symbolism of obentos, it was much more than just a lunch box. According to Word Press, "the message surrounding Obentō is that the world is constructed in a very precise way and that the role of every Japanese citizen must be played with the same precision." The meal further signified the mother's responsibility to prepare food and provide for the children, and the child's primary duty was education. The proliferation of fast food has caused many significant changes in Japanese culture; Obesity rates have risen from 3 percent to 10 percent since the introduction of fast food, and until the last decade, Japanese people did not eat red meat...... middle of paper . .....eption. In India, the increase in gross domestic product has been beneficial and has had a generally favorable response to its influence. (Kim, 2009) Globalization is nothing new and will continue to manifest itself in non-Western societies and cultures around the world. Some cultures accept the changes linked to globalization. Most cultures bring and view economic and cultural growth as a result of the acceptance of globalization. However, there is always the risk that globalization brings with it the possibility of destroying unique cultural rituals and practices, leading to a decline or halt in the progress made by a society. Globalization is an unstoppable force; Although we are powerless to stop it, we must be responsible when we introduce changes and strive to preserve the core culture affected by globalization. (Kim, 2009)