On October 24th, an event titled “Matching Event (Tasting & Networking)” was held at Vision Center Tokyo Nihonbashi. This event provided an opportunity for restaurants, hotels, retailers, and tourism-related businesses in Tokyo to sample vegetarian, vegan, and halal food products. It also offered a place for interaction and discussions with food manufacturers.

This event was organized as part of the “Muslim and Other Various Cultures and Customs Acceptance Project” by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. VegeProject Japan, participated in this event by providing support in organizing the vegan and vegetarian related content.

Various vegan products from a wide range of categories, including soy-based meat, dried noodles, sauces, pancakes, creams, and more, were showcased at the event. Attendees were able to sample these products and engage in direct discussions and information exchange with representatives from participating companies.


Photo: example of food companies that participated

Our organization also showcased food products with vegan certification at the venue. Participants included individuals from various industries, ranging from those in the restaurant and accommodation business to cooking class instructors. We advocated the importance of vegan-friendly options, explaining the diversity and versatility of vegan ingredients. Some were surprised by the wide range of diverse vegan options that are currently available.

On the same day, prior to the matchmaking event, a seminar under the theme “Leading Examples of Vegan-Friendly Catering” was also held. The speakers for this seminar were Mr. Yusuke Watanabe, the manager of the Cantonese restaurant “Cantonese En” at Tokyo Station Hotel, whom we introduced to the event organizer as a prospective speaker for the seminar, and Chef Fumio Yonezawa, the owner of the creative cuisine restaurant “NO CODE.” Well-versed in the field, these expdrts shared practical insights and experiences that helped enhance participants’ understanding of veganism and inspire them to introduce, or improve current vegan options in their respective establishments.

We hope that through tastings and interactions with exhibitors at this event, more people have become aware of vegan and vegetarian-friendly products. We sincerely wish that this event leads to the emergence of new vegan-friendly initiatives.

We would like to express our gratitude once again to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the event organizers, the participating companies, and all the attendees who visited our booth.

Companies that showcased vegan products at the event:
・Kaneshichi Co., Ltd.
・Heinz Japan Ltd.
・Kaze to Hikari Co., Ltd.
・Alpha Foods Co., Ltd.
・Yamagataya Co., Ltd. (Exhibit only)
・Misohan Co., Ltd.
・DM KOKOKUSHA Co., Ltd.
・Nippn Co., Ltd.
・Intercube Inc.
・Fujiya Co., Ltd.
・Arujasu Co., Ltd.
・Rokko Butter Co., Ltd. (Exhibit only)
・ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
・Tsukishima Food Industry Co., Ltd.
・Marusan-ai Co., Ltd.
・Next Meats Co., Ltd.
・Cocci Co., Ltd.
・OMGT Limited Liability Company (Exhibit only)