On June 25–26, 2025, the “Healthy Food of the Future Festival” was held at the Reborn Stage of the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion during the Osaka-Kansai Expo. This event was dedicated to vegan food and the values it represents, organized by Kyozen Co., Ltd. and featuring four stage shows produced by our organization, VegeProject Japan.
Companies Aiming for a Circular Society × Italian Influencer × NPO Promoting Vegan Choices
Kyozen, guided by the idea of “Doing Good from Kyoto,” works on projects related to agriculture, food, health, and social contribution. They also promote renewable energy and better logistics to reduce environmental impact and support a circular economy.
The stage opened with greetings from Mr. Yoshiki Mimino, CEO of Kyozen. This was followed by “The Vegan Show with Marco and Haruko,” featuring guest Marco Togni, an Italian influencer with 2 million followers across social media, known for introducing Japanese culture to Italian audiences. The show featured a blend of English, Italian, and Japanese, creating a truly international Expo atmosphere.
Speech by Mr. Yoshiki Mimino, CEO of Kyozen Co., Ltd.
“Future Healthy Dining Festival” to Learn About Vegan Lifestyles
This festival was designed for participants to learn about vegan lifestyles and experience vegan food. Through talk shows, videos, and quizzes, they explored questions such as “What is veganism?” and “How is vegan food connected to the environment, animals, and global hunger?” Participants also had the chance to try vegan yakitori (grilled “chicken” skewers). Flyers introducing vegan food were handed out at the venue in coordination with the stage program.
The Reborn Stage, an outdoor space located right inside the East Gate of the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, was bustling with visitors throughout. Nearly 100 people attended each of the four stage shows, with many standing and some watching from the roof ring above. People of all ages and nationalities came together to enjoy the event.
The Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, themed around “Designing a Future Society for Our Lives,” showcases cutting-edge initiatives related to health, medicine, welfare, food, and lifestyle. Through interactive exhibits and workshops, it explores how to create a society where everyone can live healthily. At this event, it provided an opportunity to think about the environmental, animal welfare, and health values of veganism.
Scene from the vegan quiz tournament
Full House! Vegan Show on Stage
Two stage shows were held each day, for a total of four sessions. Each show began with a five-minute animated video introducing veganism, explaining global issues such as “livestock and climate change,” “water and land use in animal agriculture,” and “animal lives.”
Following that, a quiz tournament with five questions was held in a fun, inclusive atmosphere. Participants used the video and Marco & Haruko’s talk as clues to answer. Out of those who answered all questions correctly, 40 winners who beat Haruko in rock-paper-scissors received prizes. Selected participants were also invited onstage to share what they learned or felt during the quiz.
All quiz participants received freshly grilled vegan yakitori made from soy meat courtesy of Kyozen. With a smoky, juicy taste, even first-time vegan food eaters commented, “It tasted like real yakitori,” “Even healthier and more delicious,” and “I wouldn’t have known it wasn’t chicken if no one told me.” The flavor and satisfaction surprised many.
Audience at the third vegan stage show
High Interest in Veganism! Voices from Participants
Participants shared many comments.
“I used to feel veganism was distant from me, but today’s event made it feel closer.”
“I learned so many new things through the quiz. I had no idea pigs are smarter than dogs.”
“I was surprised at the environmental impact. I want to start incorporating changes into my life.”
Some said, “This was the first time I thought seriously about veganism,” and “I’m thinking of giving up meat one day a week.” The combination of information and experience proved to be very effective.
Flyers and vegan yakitori sampling booth at the Future Healthy Dining Festival
“Choices That Change the Future” Reached the Children Too
Many families attended, including three-generation groups, and even elementary school children came onstage to share their impressions. This event served as a valuable opportunity for the next generation to encounter veganism. In line with the Expo theme “Designing a Future Society for Our Lives,” veganism was presented as a choice relevant to “food diversity” and “sustainable lifestyles,” connecting to issues of human health, life, the global environment, and the lives of animals who share this planet.
Kyozen team and VegeProject team at the vegan event of the Osaka-Kansai Expo
VegeProject Japan will continue to provide information and positive experiences about veganism to help it take root as a valid choice in society.
We sincerely thank Kyozen for offering us this precious opportunity, all those involved at the venue, and the many attendees who participated in the event.
