The “20th Kita City Environmental Exhibition” was held on October 18, 2025, at Takinogawa Elementary School in Kita City.
This event brings together companies and nonprofit organizations based in Kita City that work on topics related to environmental protection, providing children with an opportunity to learn about environmental issues.
VegeProject Japan took part by exhibiting a booth in the schoolyard and delivering outreach classes for students in the classrooms.
A booth where visitors could learn about veganism
At our booth, we held a quiz-style game in which participants learned about the relationship between food choices and the environment, animals, and people’s lives. We also distributed leaflets to learn more about the benefits of vegan choices. Inside the booth, we also displayed vegan-certified products that can be found in supermarkets and convenience stores, providing an opportunity to learn about vegan options that are familiar and accessible.
Delivering a class to think about the relationship between food and the environment
We delivered outreach classes to three fourth-grade classes, focusing on the connection between food and environmental issues. 
In the class, students first considered how deforestation and global warming affect the lives of people and animals, and together discussed why environmental issues are considered serious problems.
Next, we introduced that consuming plant-based proteins are an effective way to reduce our environmental impact. After explaining that people can choose whether to obtain protein from animal sources or plant sources, we explained why incorporating plant-based protein such as legumes contributes to conserving resources and mitigating global warming, and how this ultimately leads to improving the lives of people and animals.
Finally, we introduced vegan dishes and vegan products that are rich in plant-based protein and made without animal-derived ingredients, beyond familiar foods such as tofu and natto.
During the class, students actively participated by raising their hands, and lively interaction took place.
In an anonymous survey conducted after the class, 97% of students responded that their interest in environmental issues increased after listening to the lesson, and all students responded that their interest in plant-based protein increased after the lesson. The most common reason for increased interest was the environment (45%), followed by animals (34%) and health (21%).
The following comments were shared on the survey sheets.
● I was surprised to learn about vegan food, which is good for both health and the environment. I would like to try it some day.
● I have eaten meat because I thought it was tasty, but if soybeans can provide nutrition similar to meat, I think soybeans are better.
● I think environmental problems need to be solved quickly for the future of the Earth, or our dreams will not come true. I want to eat more vegan food.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone at Kita City NPO Volunteer Plaza for planning and operating this event and for reaching out to us, to everyone at Takinogawa Elementary School for providing the opportunity for booth exhibition and outreach classes, and to the students who listened so attentively.
