On September 23, 2025 (Tue, holiday), the event “Learn Vegan, Know Food” was held in Kita City, Tokyo. The event was hosted by Pinocchio, a nonprofit that runs cafeterias for children and the elderly, and co-organized with VegeProject Japan.
The event aimed to prepare local cafeterias and schools in the ward to include vegan menus. It consisted of a lecture and a networking session with vegan food samplings. The lecture covered the basics of veganism, the value of offering vegan options, case studies from schools and children’s cafeterias, and practical tips with ingredients that can be used right away.
Participants included staff from children’s cafeterias and schools, members of Parliament, and citizens from inside and outside Kita City. The venue was at maximum capacity. People of all ages paid close attention to the topic of vegan food.
Japan’s public broadcaster NHK also reported the event, focusing on the benefits and growing interest of vegan food among seniors, and the growing interest expected among older generations in the future.
First Half of the Event: A Lecture on Vegan Food
In the first half, Haruko Kawano, the representative of our organization, gave a lecture. She introduced vegan lifestyles, including basics concepts and a snapshot of global trends, and shared practical advice.
She explained that offering vegan food is in cafeterias makes it possible to include vegetarians, vegans, and people with certain allergies or religious needs. However, she explained, vegan meals are not only about inclusivity. They also contribute to public health, environmental protection, animal welfare, and food security. Vegan initiatives are linked to 10 of the SDGs.
She also introduced international trends. Major global companies are now handling vegan foods. Some governments are promoting vegan options as part of climate change measures and to meet diverse dietary needs. Some countries even require vegan meals to be offered in public facilities.
In Japan, municipalities have started promoting vegan options as well. She shared examples of our work with Tokyo, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tottori City, and tourism organizations. She also spoke about our chance to introduce veganism at the Expo 2025 and about actual cases of vegan meals being served at children’s and senior cafeterias.
Finally, she gave practical tips. She introduced ingredients and points to consider, helping participants imagine how to bring vegan menus into their own settings.
Second Half of the Event: Networking with Tastings
In the second half, three companies provided vegan dishes.
Participants enjoyed menus that could easily be used in cafeterias and schools while exchanging ideas and building connections.
■TableMark Co., Ltd.
・Fluffy roll cakes with soy milk cream
・Plant-based croissants with whole wheat flour
・Plant-based baked cheesecake
■Azuma Foods Co., Ltd.
・Fried rice with seasoned vegan meat
・Pasta salad with vegan kanikama
■Nisshin Shokai Co., Ltd.
・Beef-style plant-based meat “vegan chunks”
・“Vegan chunks” stir-fried bulgogi style
Some participants tried vegan ingredients for the first time and were surprised by their quality.
Comments included: “It’s not only for vegan or allergic children, but tasty for everyone.”
As a gift, participants received Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s SOYJOY Plant-Based and plant-based eggs from JA.Z-Tamago, both certified with our vegan certification.
We hope this event will encourage the use of vegan food—friendly to animals, the planet, and people—in children’s cafeterias, schools, senior cafeterias, and throughout the community.
We thank General Incorporated Association Pinocchio for hosting, everyone who attended, NHK for their coverage, and the companies that provided tastings.
