Aiming to Offer More Than 60 Vegan / Halal Menu Items
On February 3, Chubu Centrair International Airport launched a new initiative to promote menu options that cater to diverse dietary needs.
VegeProject Japan joined the project as a specialist in vegetarian and vegan menu development.
The airport aims to prepare for the 20th Asian Games this September and strengthen its long-term appeal as a global gateway.
It plans to support restaurants in developing more than 60 menu items that accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan and halal.
Around 90 representatives from 62 airport restaurants attended the seminar and tasting, along with many airport officials.
Event leaflet
Practical Knowledge for Vegetarian and Vegan Menus
At the seminar, Haruko Kawano, representative of VegeProject Japan, explained the fundamentals of vegetarian and vegan options.
She shared practical tips for menu development and promotion, including how to use plant-based broths and alternative meats, and how to identify existing ingredients that already meet vegan standards.
Afterward, Sakuma, representative of the Halal Japan Association, spoke about Muslim and halal accommodations.
Tasting a Wide Range of Vegan Products
Five companies provided vegan products at the tasting session.
Participants sampled a wide range of dishes and discussed how to adapt them for their own restaurants.
Azuma Foods Co., Ltd. served vegan-certified alternatives to tuna, salmon, negitoro, and mentaiko, as well as Taiwanese-style ramen made with plant-based minced meat.
All these products hold vegan certification.
TableMark Co., Ltd. offered karaage and cutlets made from okara and konjac, plant-based croissants, soy milk bread, soy milk cream cup cheesecake, and vegan-certified baked cheesecake.
Next Meats Co., Ltd. presented vegan-certified unohana, chikuzen-ni, hijiki stew, and a chili sauce dish.
These Japanese and Chinese-style dishes use only plant-based ingredients, replacing the fish-based broths and meat extracts commonly found in traditional recipes.
Karuna Co., Ltd. served plant-based miso cutlets, shrimp-style products, mentaiko paste, grilled kabayaki-style items, and hamburg steak.
Cocci Labo Co., Ltd. served vegan cutlet burgers and sandwiches that were popular at their plant-based store at EXPO2025.
Expanded Product Exhibits Supporting Vegan Menus
The venue also displayed plant-based broths, plant-based cheese, plant-based ham, seasonings, and vegan sweets.
Companies distributed tasting samples to participants.
Attendee remarks reflected genuine surprise at how satisfying the dishes were, with several noting they wouldn’t have realized they were vegan and others highlighting the variety on offer. Restaurant operators said the tasting changed their perception of vegan food and expressed interest in incorporating these options into future menus.
Building Ongoing Support as an Airport
Centrair stated that it will support 30 restaurants in developing menus that accommodate diverse dietary needs.
The airport aims not only to prepare for the 20th Asian Games but also to remain a welcoming global hub where travelers from around the world can dine with confidence.
A Step Toward Expanding the Vegan Market in Japan
Expanding vegan options in a public infrastructure setting like an airport sets an important example in Japan. While vegan choices are increasing, gaps in availability and accessibility remain. By aligning on shared goals and coordinating across stakeholders, we can keep removing barriers and strengthening the vegan market. This initiative is a concrete step toward a more inclusive food environment in Japan.
