The rise of vegan food’s popularity in Japan

Photo by Janes Doan - pexels.com

It has not always been easy to find vegetarian and/or vegan food in Tokyo, even though it is one of the biggest megacities in the world. For clarification, a vegetarian diet would strip itself from animal-derived food excluding honey, eggs, and dairy products whereas a vegan diet would not consume those as well.

Originally, for a couple of thousand years, Japanese cuisine was mostly reliant on fish and vegetable protein instead of meat. With the introduction of Western culture to bring in new ingredients and increase the international import of meat, the Japanese adopted a new meat-eating culture which included several dishes familiar to modern diners, such as Sukiyaki, curry, or croquettes. These dishes added a wide variety to the nutrition table, at the same time, were responsible for a steady rise in meat consumption for the last few decades.

Ramen, Takoyaki, Sushi, Okonomiyaki, Nabe, or most of the Japanese food you can name contains either meat, seafood, or animal derivatives. Many foods that seem vegetarian can also sneakily have animal derivative products in there. Some of these “culprits” are Katsuo (Bonito fish flakes) and meat-based stock. With the rise of veganism around the world, and with more international expatriates coming to Japan looking for their specific diet, the commonality of animal-made ingredients limits the vegetarian and vegan options at restaurants and food places for those who demand them.

Positively, Kyodo News reported earlier this week that veganism is indeed “on the rise” in Japan. This trend can be observed everywhere around the city from department stores to famous chain restaurants. For example, the Ippudo Hakata ramen chain now offers vegan ramen that many claims taste exactly like the original Tonkatsu ramen. A while ago, the Impossible Whopper offered by Burger King worldwide was also a popular choice even among non-vegans as well. Kitchen Origin has been selling vegan pumpkin-based curry for a while now using soy meat. Meatless Future, also provides the meat-free version of the beloved Gyoza dishes. Additionally, more salad selections are also seen at several deli shops in department stores across Tokyo city. Additionally, diners can rely on digital platforms such as HappyCow.com to find vegan and vegetarian food. This certainly paints an optimistic future for a sustainable food society not only in Japan but also in many other countries in the region. 

Photo by Meatless Gyoza - makuake.com

Why this sudden trend towards veganism in Japan?

There are several factors that direct this upward demand for non-meat food products. These three main reasons, although not all, are the main drive toward veganism. Firstly, health concerns regarding meat-transmitted diseases and the excess consumption of animal products (mainly from red meat). Secondly, the permanent damage to the ecosystem is the result of overfishing, interbreeding, and illegal hunting of animals. Thirdly, the massive carbon emissions that the livestock industry is responsible for which add to the existing global warming.

The increase in plant-based alternatives is not only observed in Japan but in other countries as well. The embrace of a diet consisting of less meat will not only prevent you from animal product-related sickness but will serve humanity a big favor in decelerating the Great Acceleration*. Diet and food culture changed throughout the history of civilization, and when faced with great challenges such as the global climate crisis, each individual can make a small change in their way of food consumption to make a positive impact on others. And the change starts with you.

The Great Acceleration: Human activity, predominantly the global economic system, is now the prime driver of change in the Earth System — the sum of our planet's interacting physical, chemical, biological and human processes. (Anthropocene)

Citation

Emori, R. November 28, 2022. Kyodo News. FEATURE: Veganism on the rise among health-conscious in Japan. Retrieved from https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/11/49e828ca57dd-feature-veganism-on-the-rise-among-health-conscious-in-japan.html