Starting your vegan journey in Japan, a country renowned for its rich culinary (fish) traditions, may seem like a daunting task. However, with some knowledge and preparation, navigating the Japanese food culture can be a rewarding experience for plant-based enthusiasts. In this blog post, I’ll give you the essentials on what to know when being vegan in Japan, including an awareness of non-vegan ingredients prevalent in Japanese cuisine.
- Learn Basic Japanese Phrases: While major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka have a growing awareness of veganism, it’s helpful to know some basic Japanese phrases related to veganism. Learn how to communicate dietary preferences, ask about ingredients, and convey your choice to eat plant-based. While phrases like – “Watashi wa bejitarian desu” (I am a vegetarian) or “Watashi wa vegan desu” (I am vegan) can be useful, they are usually not enough. Learn to say “Niku o tabemasen” (I don’t eat meat), “Sakana o tabemasen” (I don’t eat fish), “Sakana dashi o tabemasen” (I don’t eat fish dashi). You can basically add anything before “o tabemasen” to make clear that you don’t eat this. If you want to ask if something contains an ingredient, you can sax ” X haitemasuka?”. You can also use one of the great vegan translation cards that can be found online such as this one.
- Be Aware of Non-Vegan Ingredients: Despite the growing popularity of veganism, certain non-vegan ingredients are deeply ingrained in Japanese cuisine. Familiarize yourself with common Japanese ingredients and their English equivalents. It will help you to make informed choices when reading menus or purchasing groceries. However, it’s essential to know that many products and dishes contain non-vegan ingredients that are prevalent in Japanese cooking. Keep an eye out for dashi, which is commonly used as a base for soups and broths, and be cautious of sauces (such as tonkatsu sauce) that may contain fish extracts or animal-based additives. Additionally, bonito flakes, a staple in many dishes, are shaved fish flakes and should be avoided by those adhering to a vegan diet. Most bread also contains milk or butter, so if you want sweets, stick with the delicious and local mochi’s ;).
- Explore Traditional Japanese Vegan Dishes: Japan boasts a variety of traditional vegan dishes that are not only delicious but also deeply rooted in cultural heritage. Savor the flavors of vegetable sushi, agedashi tofu (ζγεΊγθ±θ ) if vegan, (yaki) onigiri, edamame, nasu dengaku, sunomono, mochi and many more. And I can highly recommend to try the simple but elegant shojin ryori (η²Ύι²ζη), a style of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine that has influenced Japanese cooking for centuries. In Kyoto you will easily find restaurants that offer this kind of cuisine. Make sure to check if it’s vegan though, since some restaurants might add dashi to it.
- Research Vegan-Friendly Restaurants: The vegan scene is expanding in Japan, but it’s still advisable to research vegan-friendly restaurants in advance. Cities such as Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka have quite some options nowadays, but even in rural areas, you can find hidden gems that cater to plant-based diets. Online platforms and apps such as Happy Cow dedicated to vegan dining can be valuable resources to discover new places.
- Visit Local Markets and Grocery Stores: Exploring local markets and grocery stores can be a delightful way to discover fresh produce and unique vegan finds. While Japan has a strong emphasis on seafood and meat, markets often offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and plant-based snacks. Familiarize yourself with the kanji characters for common ingredients, or simply use Google translate, to help your shopping experience.
- Using Google Translate: In situations where language barriers pose a challenge, such as reading kanji or Japanese words in general, I’ve found it extremely helpful to use Google Translate. This app can help you quickly translate written or spoken Japanese into your preferred language. Having it on your phone can be especially handy when deciphering menus or communicating specific dietary needs, just by taking a photo. While not perfect, it has been my life safer for having a smoother vegan experience in Japan.
Conclusion: Being vegan in Japan is not only possible but can also lead to a rich and awesome culinary experience. By doing a bit of preparation, for example with the help of this blog on how to be vegan in Japan, and having a willingness to explore, you can enjoy the flavors of Japan while sticking to your vegan ways. Enjoy traditional vegan dishes, and go on that unique journey of navigating veganism in the Land of the Rising Sun.
