“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.
This event will feature hands-on workshops and exhibitions by VegeProject and six companies offering vegan products. Through these activities, we will showcase the appeal and potential of vegan and plant-based products and lifestyles in an engaging and accessible way.
Event Overview
Event Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 11:00–21:00
Venue: ORA Food Service Pavilion “UTAGE” 2nd floor 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
All-day exhibition
Experience our ongoing exhibition featuring a special video created for this event, introducing the appeal and potential of vegan and plant-based lifestyles. Explore a display of vegan and plant-based products, and discover how these options are opening doors to a better future.
Provided by: VegeProject Japan
① 11:00-11:30 [Experience & Taste]
No Waste! Discover Snacks Made from Upcycled Ingredients
Discover how plant-based ingredients often discarded as waste can be transformed into delicious snacks. Taste “Okara Granola,” enjoyed even at five-star hotels, and caffeine-free “Okara Tea,” roasted by a baker with over 30 years of experience.
Provided by: Lapin Co., Ltd.
②11:45-12:15 [Learn & Taste]
The Future of Food—How plant-based will change your table
Learn about the impact and potential of plant-based foods through a presentation, then see and taste real examples for yourself—including plant-based tuna flakes, “ultra vegan meat”, and plant-based mentaiko paste.
Provided by: Karuna Inc.
③12:30–13:00,⑨17:00–18:00【Learn】
Vegan Quiz Game with Prizes! (Within the all-day exhibition)
Take part in the Quiz Game during these times, held within the all-day exhibition, for a chance to win vegan prizes (limited quantity). Watch our special video, explore the products on display, and test your knowledge—discover how vegan and plant-based living can open up new possibilities for the future.
Provided by: VegeProject Japan
④13:15-13:45,⑧16:15-16:45 [Experience & Taste]
Japanese Traditional Confectionery “Nerikiri” Workshop
A workshop where you can make and eat the traditional Japanese plant-based 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
Make traditional wasanbon sugar sweets, crafted without bone char and produced in eastern Shikoku. Try your hand at molding dry confectionery using pure wasanbon, with guidance from special guest Yoshihiro Ichihara, one of the very few Japanese traditional wooden confectionery mold craftsmen.
Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture unique to freshly made confections. You can also take your handmade confectionery with you.
Provided by: Takesha Co., Ltd.
⑥14:45-15:15 [Learn & Taste]
Vegan Eats Across Borders: Japan & Taiwan Edition
Explore the differences between vegan food in Japan and Taiwan, a country where nearly 20% of the population is vegan or vegetarian. Compare unique Taiwanese products—including those made without the “five pungent roots”—with those found in Japan. At the end, test your knowledge with a short quiz to win a gift to take home.
Provided by: Nisshin Shokai Co., Ltd.
⑦15:30-16:00 [Learn]
Meet JOYGREEN: Plant-Based Innovation by Kameda Seika & Meissen Fine Food
Learn about JOYGREEN, a new plant-based food brand from Kameda Seika and Meissen Fine Food. Discover how plant-based options can benefit both your health and the environment.
Provided by: Meissen Fine Food Co., Ltd.
Vegan & Plant-Based Menus to Enjoy at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is not only about exhibitions; it is also a place to experience real steps toward a sustainable future—including what is served on your plate. Throughout the venue, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of vegan and plant-based foods, some of them proudly carrying our organization’s vegan certification. Here are a few highlights to look out for:
・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
As you explore Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, look for the VegeProject Japan certification mark and experience for yourself the delicious variety and potential of vegan and plant-based menus.