What is globalization and what effects does it have on non-Western cultures? The Merrim-Websters dictionary defines globalization as “the development of an increasingly integrated global economy, characterized primarily by free trade, the free flow of capital, and the exploitation of cheaper foreign labor markets.” When identifying the components of globalization, outsourcing may be the first thing that comes to mind. However, globalization and modernization go far beyond simple outsourcing. In this article we will look at two separate examples of non-Western native cultures that have been affected by globalization and further analyze one of these two examples. (Merriam-Webster)In 1971, the first McDonald's restaurant opened in Japan, thus beginning a slow but steady change in the culture of the Japanese people. Traditional Japanese culture is heavily centered on food and 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 the obentos, it was much more than just a picnic lunch. According to Word Press, "The message surrounding the Obento is that the world is very precisely constructed and the role of every Japanese citizen must be played with the same precision." The meal also indicated the mother's responsibility for preparing food and supporting the children, and the child's main task was education. The proliferation of fast food restaurants has caused many significant changes in Japanese culture; Obesity rates have increased 3% to 10% since the introduction of fast food, and until the last decade the Japanese didn't eat red me... half the paper... eption. In India, the increase in gross domestic product has been beneficial and has had an overall favorable response to the flu. (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 that come with globalization. Most cultures believe that economic and cultural growth is the result of accepting globalization. However, there is always the risk that globalization entails the possibility of destroying unique cultural rituals and practices, resulting in a decline or halt in the progress a society was making. Globalization is an unstoppable force; Even if we have no power to stop it, we must be responsible in bringing about change and strive to preserve the heart of the culture affected by globalization. (Kim, 2009)