Here's a breakdown:
* Historically: Horse meat was consumed in Japan for centuries, especially during times of food shortages.
* Present day: Consumption has significantly decreased. It is primarily found in specific regions and specialized restaurants focusing on "basashi" (horse sashimi).
* Cultural factors: Some people consider horse meat a delicacy, while others have ethical or religious concerns.
* Availability: It's not widely available in supermarkets or restaurants.
Therefore, it's not accurate to say that Japanese people eat horse meat regularly. It's a niche food item, and its consumption is declining.