I'm not vegan but many of my friends are. Thus …

I'm not vegan but many of my friends are. Thus …

[1]The Rise of Veganism in Tokyo - Plus Where to Eat & Shop:

Although it has gotten off to a slow start, veganism is finally
starting to pick up in Tokyo - could this be the year it makes it
into Japan's mainstream?

The vegetarian and vegan store and restaurant search site Happy Cow
now lists more than 300 restaurants and shops in Tokyo as "veg
friendly"; there are a number of thriving Tokyo based online and
offline vegan communities; and the city plays host to several
successful vegan food-focused festivals throughout the year.
Documentaries on veganism-related issues can now be watched on
Netflix Japan, and recently the word "vegan" has even been uttered a
few times on mainstream TV. But given the country's reputation as a
place where healthy diets featuring a lot of vegetables date back
centuries, why did it take so long for Japan to catch up with the
rest of the world?

Why Veganism Has Been Slow to Catch on in Japan

Up until recently there were not many Japan-specific resources
available about veganism and the effects of animal agriculture on
humans, animals, and the environment. Many Japanese vegans and
vegetarians I have spoken to over the years only realized that
cutting out animal products was an option after traveling overseas
for work or study abroad programs.

Nadia McKechnie, the organizer of the Tokyo Vegan MeetUp believes
that making Japan-specific information accessible is one of the
reasons that veganism has grown in Japan over the last few years.
After introducing Japanese organizer, Saori Kondo, to the group,
membership almost tripled to 6,000-plus members. MeetUp information
is now available in both English and Japanese, and there is also
always a Japanese and English-speaking representative at events.

Homegrown activists are also starting to take the movement into
their own hands and pushing for change by sharing information with
those who may not go searching for it themselves. For Animals Japan
- founded by husband and wife activist duo Ryuji and Lauren [they
prefer to be identified just by their first names] and based in
Yokohama - is a bilingual vegan outreach group that shows videos of
the reality of animal-based food production in public places (you
can often find the group showing footage on laptops and iPads
outside Sakuragicho Station), and then engages with passers-by in
conversation to encourage them to make more compassionate food
choices.

According to Lauren, "Most people seem to have no idea how their
food is made. It is a real shock for them [when they see the
footage]." Ryuji added that "Japanese people assume everything is
clean and orderly" so they do not realize that they are supporting
the type of inhumane, unhygienic conditions that are "industry
norms" in modern factory farming (which is how the majority of meat,
dairy, and eggs are produced in Japan).

How the Japan Vegan Movement is Growing

With interest in veganism growing, the next logical step is for
vegan options to expand to match demand. One individual focusing on
making vegan options more accessible in Japan is Haruko Kawano of
Vege Project, who started by negotiating with her university
cafeteria at Kyoto University to offer a vegan lunch option. She
explains that if there are more vegan options available, then people
are more likely to choose to eat vegan, so she now advocates for
vegan options at a number of institutions and restaurants across
Japan. Haruko said that sometimes people "don't care, [and] some
laugh at us," but with awareness of veganism in Japan growing, and
the influx of foreign visitors over recent years, it is becoming
harder to ignore the demand for vegan options.

To really gain traction, the movement certainly has its challenges -
food corporations will not be quick to change their ways, and
traditions don't change easily. Furthermore, Japan has an age-old
group mentality that does not encourage people to ask questions or
stand up against established norms. However, Japanese activist and
corporate relations manager of The Humane League Japan Maho Uehara
is positive about the future and the likelihood of veganism gaining
a foothold: "Unlike previous generations, these days younger people
have more time and the luxury to think about others - and change is
in their hands."

Vegan in Tokyo? Here's Where to Eat, Shop, and Learn More

Interested in finding out more about veganism, or just looking for
places where you can eat vegan meals or buy vegan goods in Tokyo?
We've got you covered…

Where to Eat

HalloGallo
A cozy and eclectic vegan bar in the heart of Nakano. Has an
extensive drinks menu (try the White Russian with almond milk!) and
homemade comfort food. Also hosts several DJ events each month
(check out their social media for further details) and has
English-speaking staff.

For HalloGallo's contact information visit our [2]Concierge listing.

Kiboko
A relaxed izakaya-style space with a great selection of vegan food
and wine. A good option in the Shibuya area for dinner with friends.
The owner does not speak much English but there is an English menu
available.

For Kibiko's contact information visit our [3]Concierge listing.

Lito Rukka
A reservation-only vegan restaurant with a focus on organic and
healthy "bio" meals, just a few stops from Nerima on the Toei Oedo
Line. The food is more than worthy of an Instagram post, and almost
too beautiful to eat! The owner speaks a little English so
reservations can be made in English.

For Lito Rukka's contact information visit our [4]Concierge listing.

Titchai
Although not completely vegan, this Thai joint in Shimokitazawa
offers vegan options and the owner understands what vegans do and
don't eat. The main meals are deliciously spicy, and the desserts
are a must try! (The restaurant also homes a very chilled-out cat.)

For Titchai's contact information visit our [5]Concierge listing.

Where to Shop

AliShan
An organic, vegetarian store that is a little out of the way in
Saitama, but they also have a wonderful restaurant (with vegan
options) which is set among the beautiful Chichibu countryside -
it's well worth a day trip! They also supply their products to
supermarkets across Tokyo, such as National Azabu and Nissin, and
have an online store.
[6]alishan-organics.com

iHerb Japan
Probably the most popular option for expats. This online store sells
vegan and cruelty-free products including food, supplements,
personal care products, and more. Use the search option to narrow
your search down to vegan items. [7]jp.iherb.com

Kempo
Fully vegan online store which sells personal care items, as well as
food and ingredients. The website is in Japanese but staff can speak
English so feel free to contact them. I still think their cashew
cheese is the best vegan cheese option currently available in Japan!
[8]www.kempo-shop.com

Lima
Health store in Shinjuku that sells a variety of natural food and
cooking supplies. Although not entirely vegan, they have a great
vegan selection, including instant ramen, ice-cream, cheese, and
more. They also have a small selection of cruelty-free toiletries
and cleaning products. [9]www.lima.co.jp/shop-shinjuku.html

Where To Learn More

Animal Advocacy Japan
An information page dedicated to sharing Japan-focused
animal-related information, such as news stories, articles,
petitions, and events in English. Also has links to all of the local
groups and charities working on vegan-related issues in Japan.
[10]www.facebook.com/animaladvocacyjapan

Kurina's Cooking
Cookery lessons for groups of three to six people in both English
and Japanese. The clientele ranges from vegans to vegan-curious and
from middle-aged people to kids. The focus is mainly on Japanese
dishes using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, made in the
traditional way.
[11]kurinascooking.la.coocan.jp

Vegan Japan
A Facebook community for discussion on all things vegan in Japan,
from events and workshops to vegan options at restaurants and vegan
finds in supermarkets and conbinis.
[12]www.facebook.com/groups/26787874309
Tags: [13]food, [14]vegan in tokyo

(Via [15]Tokyo Weekender)

I admit my need for dropping some weight has me thinking about taking
up the "[16]Vegan Before 6" concept again.
Also on:

[17]Twitter
__________________________________________________________________

My original entry is here: [18]The Rise of Veganism in Tokyo - Plus
Where to Eat & Shop. It posted Fri, 25 May 2018 12:19:05 +0000.
Filed under: Japan,

References

1. https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2018/05/the-rise-of-veganism-in-tokyo-plus-where-to-eat-shop/
2. https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2018/05/hallogallo/
3. https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2018/05/kiboko/
4. https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2018/05/lito-rukka/
5. https://www.tokyoweekender.com/2018/05/titchai/
6. http://alishan-organics.com/
7. http://jp.iherb.com/
8. http://www.kempo-shop.com/
9. http://www.lima.co.jp/shop-shinjuku.html
10. http://www.facebook.com/animaladvocacyjapan
11. http://kurinascooking.la.coocan.jp/
12. http://www.facebook.com/groups/26787874309
13. https://www.tokyoweekender.com/tag/food/
14. https://www.tokyoweekender.com/tag/vegan-in-tokyo/
15. http://www.tokyoweekender.com/feed/
16. https://amzn.to/2KUiaPM
17. https://twitter.com/TokyoGringo/status/999989541384675328
18. https://www.prjorgensen.com/?p=1122