Fukuoka City implemented the R6 Fukuoka Universal Food Promotion Project in FY2024 as part of its initiative to enhance tourism appeal. Aiming to create an environment where more people can enjoy food in Fukuoka, VegeProject Japan participated in this initiative as an expert on the development of vegan and vegetarian options.
Fukuoka City’s Challenge to Accommodate Diverse Dietary Needs
The R6 Fukuoka Universal Food Promotion Project is part of the city’s efforts to create an inclusive food environment that responds to diverse dietary needs such as vegan, vegetarian, and halal. 
This initiative was launched in response to the increase in inbound tourists and the growing number of people with dietary restrictions for reasons including health, environment, or religion. To build a “universal food environment” where everyone can enjoy food in Fukuoka, the city has been collaborating with experts.
VegeProject Japan’s representative, Haruko Kawano, took charge of matters related to vegan and vegetarian food. Our organization contributed to the project in the following ways:
• Consultation with Fukuoka City: Proposals on strategy and advice on standards for vegan and vegetarian-friendly practices
• Support for Restaurants: One-on-one consultations, advice, and introductions to vegan ingredients
• Promotion: Promoting the project and vegan/vegetarian-friendly restaurants in the city, auditing and reporting for EAT FUKUOKA’s vegan and vegetarian listings
Launch of ‘EAT FUKUOKA’ Featuring Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants
A new section, EAT FUKUOKA, has been launched on Fukuoka City’s official tourism site, FUKUOKA CITY Official Tourist Guide. With the tagline “for Vegans, Vegetarians, Muslims and Everyone,” the multilingual page introduces restaurants that cater to a wide range of dietary needs, making Fukuoka’s food scene more accessible for everyone.
EAT FUKUOKA features a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Before hosting the 2023 World Aquatics Championships, the city created the “Fukuoka Vegan, Vegetarian, and Halal Map.” Newly introduced vegan-friendly restaurants that were not listed on that map were selected through auditing and consultation conducted by VegeProject Japan. Each restaurant was reviewed for menu offerings and service compatibility before inclusion.
Additionally, alongside video introductions for each restaurant, 10 vegan-friendly restaurants will also be featured in written articles to be published sequentially. Our organization handled both the interviews and article writing.
Promoting Active Businesses and Supporting New Vegan/Vegetarian Menu Introductions
In addition to showcasing existing vegan/vegetarian-friendly businesses on EAT FUKUOKA, we also supported PR activities at the “Tokyo Vegan Gourmet Festival,” one of Japan’s largest vegan festivals held in Tokyo.
More info here: VegeProject supports Fukuoka City’s project. Companies like Ippudo from Fukuoka exhibit at Tokyo Vegan Gourmet Festival
At the “FOOD STYLE Kyushu” trade show for food industry professionals, Fukuoka City exhibited to support restaurants considering the introduction or expansion of vegan and vegetarian menus. VegeProject Japan coordinated the participation of plant-based food manufacturers (offering alternatives to meat, custard, whipped cream, etc.), and handled on-site consultations for vegan/vegetarian menu development.
More info here: Supporting vegan initiatives at FOOD STYLE Kyushu, part of the Fukuoka City project
Vegan and Vegetarian Options Enhance the Appeal of a City
Through our collaboration with Fukuoka City, we were able to discover many wonderful restaurants that offer vegan menus. We also engaged with businesses already active in this field, learning about their challenges and motivations.
Expanding vegan and vegetarian offerings not only benefits those seeking such options but also contributes to sustainability, public health, and overall city appeal. VegeProject Japan will continue to support the creation of inclusive dining environments that respect local cultures and identities while allowing more people, including vegans and vegetarians, to dine with peace of mind.