2026.08.08

Seminar in Matsuyama & Research Support at Ehime University

On August 5, 2026, the Matsuyama Convention & Visitors Bureau held the “Velo-city 2027 Ehime Commemorative Seminar: Basics of Vegetarian and Vegan Catering.”

Haruko Kawano, Representative Director of VegeProject Japan, served as the seminar lecturer and gave a presentation to over 50 participants from local businesses and organizations.

Following the seminar, a discussion session was also held regarding the development of vegan and vegetarian-friendly versions of local dishes, an initiative being undertaken by the Matsuyama Convention & Visitors Bureau together with a professor and students from Ehime University, as part of efforts to strengthen Matsuyama’s capacity to host MICE events.

A seminar on vegetarian and vegan accommodations was organized by the Matsuyama Convention & Visitors Bureau, with the Representative Director of VegeProject serving as the lecturer.

The seminar was held in preparation for “Velo-city 2027 Ehime,” an international cycling conference to be held in May next year. The objective was to increase local understanding of vegetarian and vegan needs, and encourage businesses to provide such options. The seminar covered everything from the basics of vegetarian and vegan catering, to specific examples and key considerations for labeling and communicating these options. The content was designed to be accessible to those new to the topic, including businesses considering introducing vegetarian and vegan options

Velo-city 2027 Ehime is expected to attract 2,000 participants from more than 50 countries to Matsuyama City. Three of the four Velo-city representatives who visited the city for a preliminary inspection were reportedly vegetarian, and many of those traveling to Japan for the event are likewise expected to be vegetarian or vegan. At the previous Velo-city conference held in Italy, all lunches provided were reportedly vegetarian.

An exchange of opinions with a professor and students from Ehime University organized by the Matsuyama Convention & Visitors Bureau

Following the seminar, a discussion was held with a professor and students from Ehime University.

The Matsuyama Convention & Visitors Bureau has been working with a professor and students from Ehime University to develop vegan and vegetarian-friendly versions of local dishes. The Representative Director of VegeProject Japan also contributed to the project as an expert on vegetarian and vegan catering.

Using the tips and ingredients introduced during the seminar, the participants explored wats to create vegetarian and vegan versions of local dishes. After further recipe development, tastings, and refinement, the dishes are scheduled to be added to menus and introduced at a presentation by the end of the year.