Fukuoka Prefecture runs a program that helps restaurants and lodging facilities within the prefecture accommodate diverse dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and halal. Continuing from last fiscal year, VegeProject Japan has been taking part as an expert on vegetarian and vegan matters.
On August 6, 2026, a seminar titled “Learning from Experts and Chefs: The Basics of Catering to Vegetarian, Vegan, and Muslim Guests, and Tips for Attracting Customers” was held in Kokura, Kitakyushu. At this seminar, Haruko Kawano, Representative Director of VegeProject Japan, gave a lecture on how to cater to vegetarian and vegan customers. In addition to explaining the basics of vegetarian and vegan catering, she covered domestic and international trends, case studies, practical approaches, and key points for customer attraction and public relations.
Catering to Muslim customers was covered by Tomohiro Sakuma, Representative Director of the Japan Halal Business Association. Following the lectures, three vegetable sushi dishes by vegetable sushi chef Ko Tanimizu were served as a vegan food tasting.
The program also includes an individual menu-development support program. Restaurants and lodging facilities within Fukuoka Prefecture can receive individual support from experts (free of charge, for approximately 20 businesses). Support includes consultation tailored to each establishment’s needs, recipe development, introductions to ingredients and suppliers, multilingual menu creation, and PR and social media promotion. VegeProject Japan’s Representative Director is in charge of vegetarian and vegan matters.
Individual Menu-Development Support Program (Free of Charge)
Eligible: Restaurants, lodging facilities, etc. within Fukuoka Prefecture (approximately 20 businesses)
Examples of support available:
· Comprehensive one-on-one advice and consultation from experts
· Suggestions for recipes, ingredients, and suppliers
· Multilingual menu creation
· Promotion and information-sharing support
Support period: From the time support is approved until the end of February 2027 (approximately 3 sessions per business)
Support cost: Free of charge
8/26 [Session 3] Learning from Hotel and Restaurant Case Studies: Building an Internationally Minded City and Food Inclusivity for the Future
The third seminar held under this program will take place on August 26, starting at 2:00 PM. Vegan versions of tonkotsu-style ramen, hamburgers, falafel, and banana bread are planned to be served.
Venue: 4th floor, Keigo Shrine Administration Building, 2-2-20 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
Details and applications for the seminar are available at the link below.
https://www.pref.fukuoka.lg.jp/contents/syokunotayousei2026.html
Businesses within Fukuoka Prefecture: why not take advantage of this program to advance vegetarian and vegan catering?
The official flyer can be viewed here, and last year’s version of the same program can be viewed here.
