Director Kawano Wins Grand Prix at Japan Vegan Awards

On October 25, 2024, the 7th Japan Vegan Awards ceremony, organized by the Plant-Based Market Association, was held on the main stage of the GOOD LIFE Fair, hosted by Asahi Shimbun. Each year, 100 individuals and companies who have contributed to the development of veganism are nominated, and the winners are announced at the awards ceremony.

This year, the Grand Prize was awarded to VegeProject Japan’s representative Haruko Kawano.

In her acceptance speech, Kawano reflected on Japan’s landscape 11 years ago when VegeProject began. She described how the present reality—vegan products on supermarket shelves, vegan labels on products, and vegan menus in restaurants—aligns with her initial vision. Kawano credited individuals and companies in Japan and globally for turning this vision into reality. On the other hand, and drawing from her recent experience at an international vegan and animal welfare summit, she acknowledged the long journey ahead for veganism in Japan and stressed the need for collaboration, despite differing approaches, to further expand the vegan market.

This year’s “Corporate Award” was given to Kagome Co., Ltd., which has introduced many vegan products using our vegan certification. The “Cafe & Restaurant Award” went to “Vegan Bistro Jangara,” which is also featured on Tokyo VegeMap.

The “Cultural Award” was presented to singer and actress Sonim, the “Athlete Award” to Moe Miyajima, who competes internationally in running, the “Animal Rights Award” to activist Azumi Yamanaka, and the “International Award” to Shu Haku Gin, Director of the Taoyuan City Government Tourism Bureau in Taiwan.

In addition to the awards, the Plant-Based Market Association also organizes the Vegan Gourmet Festival in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nagoya, offering a wide range of vegan gourmet experiences. Last year’s festival in Tokyo made headlines when artist Fujii Kaze attended as a visitor (read more here).

We would like to extend our gratitude to the judges who recognized our achievements. We also appreciate all the warm encouragement, support, and cooperation we continuously receive from everyone. VegeProject Japan will continue to work with companies, educational institutions, governments, and international organizations toward a kinder future for animals, the planet, and people.