“The Future of Food: Vegan & Plant-Based Academy”
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, VegeProject Japan will host the “Future of Food: Vegan & Plant-Based Academy” at the ORA Food Service Pavilion “UTAGE” at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
At this event, through interactive programs led by six companies developing vegan products and our organization, we will introduce the appeal and potential of “vegan” and “plant-based” in an easy-to-understand and enjoyable way.
Event Overview
Event Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 11:00–21:00
Venue: ORA Food Service Pavilion “UTAGE” Access
How to participate: First-come, first-served. Advance reservations are also available via the form below (priority given to reservations).
・Reservation Form
Program Details
Ongoing + Quiz Rally with Prizes ③12:00–12:30,⑨17:00–18:00【Learn】
Let’s learn about vegan and plant-based products around us
We will introduce why vegan and plant-based are called “the food of the future” and showcase a variety of vegan foods and other products. We have also produced a short video about veganism just for this event. Participants who answer all quiz questions correctly in the rally will receive a vegan product as a prize (limited quantity).
Provided by: VegeProject Japan
① 11:00-11:30 [Experience & Tasting]
Vegan snack made from “okara”
We will introduce new products “Okara Granola” and “Okara Tea,” both made using “okara,” a by-product discarded in the tofu-making process. Enjoy granola popular even at five-star hotels and nutritious, caffeine-free okara tea roasted by a baker with over 30 years of experience.
Provided by: Lapin Co., Ltd.
②11:45-12:15 [Learn & Tasting]
“The Future of Food Begins.”—How plant-based will change your table
Using a PowerPoint presentation, we will discuss the significance of plant-based foods. Afterwards, participants can view and taste actual products (plant-based tuna flakes, ultra vegan meat, plant-based mentaiko paste) and ask questions.
Provided by: Karuna Inc.
④13:15-13:45,⑧16:15-16:45 [Experience & Eat]
Japanese Traditional Confectionery “Nerikiri” Workshop
A workshop where you can make and eat the traditional Japanese sweet “nerikiri” yourself. The process of making cute nerikiri by hand is very enjoyable, and both adults and children can become immersed. People of all ages and nationalities are welcome to experience making this piece of Japanese traditional culture.
Provided by: Enny Inc.
⑤14:00-14:30 [Experience]
Wasanbon Sugar Molding Experience
Traditional wasanbon sugar made without using bone char. Wasanbon, traditionally produced in eastern Shikoku, is filled with craftsmanship and unique charm. You can experience making molded dry confectionery using 100% wasanbon.
On the day, a special guest—Mr. Yoshihiro Ichihara, one of the few Japanese traditional wooden confectionery mold craftsmen—will also participate.
Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture unique to freshly made confections. You may take your handmade confectionery home.
Provided by: Takesha Co., Ltd.
⑥14:45-15:15 [Learn & Tasting]
Let’s look at the differences between vegan products in Japan and Taiwan
We will introduce Taiwan, where nearly 20% of the population is vegan/vegetarian and where there are dedicated vegan manufacturers and convenience stores. We will compare vegan products manufactured and sold in Taiwan (including “no five pungent roots”) with those distributed in Japan, using reference materials. There will also be a short quiz at the end, and participants with deeper understanding will receive a gift.
Provided by: Nisshin Shokai Co., Ltd.
⑦15:30-16:00 [Learn]
Introduction to “JOYGREEN” by Kameda Seika Co., Ltd. and Meissen Fine Food Co., Ltd.
As a new food choice that shows consideration for the body and the planet, we propose plant-based foods.
Provided by: Meissen Fine Food Co., Ltd.
Vegan & Plant-Based Menus to Enjoy at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai
At Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, which began on April 13, 2025, under the theme “Designing a Future Society for Our Lives,” there are many exhibits and experiences aimed at a sustainable future. This also extends to the food sector, where visitors can enjoy vegan and plant-based menus at various locations in the venue as a sustainable choice for the future.
At the venue, there are many menus and products that have received our organization’s vegan certification. Here are three examples:
・Osaka Healthcare Pavilion
QBB, a cheese maker, opens a 100% vegan restaurant at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai!
・Osaka/Kansai Expo E14 National Day Hall “Ray Garden” 2F
At the buffet of “Lounge & Dining” with a view of Osaka Bay, Royal Holdings Co., Ltd. offers dishes with vegan certification.
・International Pavilion Commons A, Republic of Burundi
“OKARADA,” a snack attracting much attention at home and abroad, born from the idea of avoiding food waste
When visiting Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, please look for the certification mark and try vegan and plant-based menus.