cooking vs eating out, Japan edition

Some say that in SE Asia, eating out is cheaper than cooking. I have not been there and cannot judge. Perhaps, if labor is so cheap as to cost more than ingredients, or if the people selling cooked food can get cheaper ingredients than you can?

Some say that it is cheaper in East Asian countries, and now I do have some experience there. My gut reaction is "skeptical, but it may be closer than elsewhere." Certainly it can be cheaper in exchange-rate terms to eat out in Japan, Seoul, or Taipei than in the current US, with calorically decent meals in the $4-5 range or even a bit less. And groceries often feel more expensive, implying a narrower gap.

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