On Friday, December 22, 2023, we held a celebration party for VegeProject’s 10th Anniversary and the release of the “Tokyo VegeMap 2023-2024” (Third Edition) at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo.
We were joined by over 100 guests, predominantly partnering businesses, along with some of our past interns and volunteers, as well as media journalists.
VegeProject’s 10th Anniversary
The event began with an address by our representative Haruko Kawano, who expressed gratitude for the significant support and cooperation we have received over the years, and for everyone’s presence at the venue.
Following this, Tatsumi Nakajima, the Managing Director of the University of Tokyo Co-op, who had fully supported Kawano’s efforts to introduce vegan menus in the student cafeteria when she was a student and member of the Kyoto University Co-op back in 2013, gave a greeting and led the toast.
The buffet featured an entirely vegan menu, meticulously prepared in collaboration with Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. Several dishes incorporated vegan-labeled ingredients.
The following menus incorporated ingredients that were courtesy of our partnering companies:
・”Vegan salmon carpaccio, onion slices, lemon dressing”, using Plant-based Salmon by Azuma Foods Co.,Ltd.
・”Bagel vegetable sandwich”, using Raburu Plabo/MB (vegan butter) by Tsukishima Foods Industry Co., Ltd., and BBQ Sauce from Heinz Japan Ltd.
・”Potato and spinach plant-based white sauce gratin”, using Plant-Based White Sauce from Heinz Japan Ltd., and Q・B・B PLANT MADE Shredded (vegan cheese) from ROKKO BUTTER Co., Ltd.
・”Soybean meat stew in plant-based demi-glace sauce”, using Plant-Based Demi-Glace Sauce from Heinz Japan Ltd.
・”Soybean keema curry”, using botanova Plant-based Seasoning Oil -Tallow Taste- by MIYOSHI OIL & FAT Co.,Ltd.
From left to right: “Vegan salmon carpaccio, onion slices, lemon dressing”, “Bagel vegetable sandwich” and “Potato and spinach plant-based white sauce gratin”
In addition to the sponsored products, some of the menu items were made using ingredients other vegan-labeled ingredients, such as soy meat and curry.
While everyone enjoyed the dishes, we received speeches from representatives of our sponsors, including MD Holdings Inc., Kagome Co., Ltd. (also using our vegan label), and First Inc., with whom we have cooperated in projects and exhibitions organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
From left to right: MD Holdings Inc., Kagome Co., Ltd., and First Inc.
We also provided an open mic for companies to promote their activities.
From left to right: Rokko Butter Co., Ltd., YRKand Inc., and Takahashi Yuuzou Research Institute Ltd.
Additionally, we conducted a raffle draw for an assortment of vegan-labeled products. Congratulations to the five lucky winners!
From left to right: VegeProject staff, Kirasienne Co., Ltd., Japro Inc., InfiniValue Co., Ltd., Japan Food Science Co., Ltd., Uenochu Co., Ltd., VegeProject representative
The prizes were courtesy of the following companies:
・MISOHAN Co., Ltd.’s ‘Byan Byan Noodle’
・Tanabiki-Seimen Co., Ltd.’s ‘Rich Non Pork Soup Style Ramen’
・Purecode Co., Ltd.’s skincare product ‘Natural V’
・R.B.G Co., Ltd.’s ‘Supmile Skin Care Set’
・Yuzo Takahashi Laboratory Ltd.’s ‘Natto’
Furthermore, the winners were awarded with a voucher to acquire free labeling for one new product for one year. We will be delighted to receive applications for new products.
Tokyo VegeMap 2023-2024 Release
Midway through the party, we debuted the ‘Tokyo VegeMap 2023-2024.’ This is the first renewal of the map after the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, we received applications from over 200 eateries, surpassing the second edition. This may be due to the recovery of inbound tourism, as well as a heightened awareness among restaurant owners and customers regarding environmental, animal welfare, and health issues compared to when the second edition was produced, four years ago. We express our gratitude to everyone who contributed to its creation.
We also received greetings from Tokyo Localized, a sponsor of the map, and Marugoto Vegan, one of the eateries featured on the map.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in this event and to the manufacturers who provided vegan ingredients to create the entirely vegan buffet.
VegeProject has been able to continue its activities to expand vegetarian and vegan options, thanks to the support of many businesses, organizations and individuals. We are always grateful for your support.
We look forward to your continued support for VegeProject in the future.