Japan Vegan Living
Being Vegan in Japan
Being a vegan in Japan can be a challenge.
I do like a challenge, I swear I do. But some challenges are sometimes, ever so slightly… Too challenging? Or maybe I just can’t handle challenges when they come with the risk of *HANGER*.
I had travelled to Japan before. So it was no surprise to me that being vegan in the country that adores consuming animals in any way shape or form would be hard. And it did cross my mind that moving here could result in some serious *HANGER*, but I did anyway. And as I ate, I learnt. And I think it’s only fair/productive that I share what I ate (and learnt) with fellow japan-visiting/living vegans.
My Top Tips as a Vegan in Japan
WATCH OUT FOR DAISHI
Dashi (fish stock) and Bonito (fish flakes) are EVERYWHERE in Japanese cuisine and inconveniently neglected to be listed on menu descriptions. The translated card below can be very useful to make it very, very clear that ‘vegan/vegetarian’ doesn’t just mean you don’t eat beef…
RAMEN WITH CAUTION
Unfortunately most Ramen’s around Japan will be cooked in a meat-based broth. It definitely won’t hurt to do some self-study to source out some vegan ramen options in the destinations you will visit.
SOY MILK AND TOFU
Despite most vegan options being rarities, soy milk and tofu are Japanese staple and can be life-support when being a Japan-based vegan. Soy milk sometimes seems more common than dairy and cartons can be found in supermarkets and convenience stores (Unfortunately this doesn’t extend to cafe’s and finding a soy latte usually results in far too many Starbucks visits).
SUSHI TRAIN CAN BE (KIND OF) FUN
Unfortunately Japanese sushi trains tend to have way less veggie options than those back in Australia but you can definitely still find some veggie rolls, inari, avocado rolls, cucumber rolls and edamame in a fun-filled conveyor-belt setting.
SAY GOODBYE TO BREAD
Unfortunately almost all bread in Japan contains egg and/or dairy products. This makes it pretty much impossible to find bread in supermarkets and convenience stores for vegans in Japan. The same goes for cookies, cakes, muffins and other bakery products. If you are a baked goods lover you may need to do some research to indulge in those carbs with peace of mind.
HAPPY COW
I’m sure anyone who lives a plant-based lifestyle has checked out the Happy Cow site (also available as an app) which highlights what restaurants and cafes cater for vegan feeds. It is particularly useful in Japan.
LEARN HOW TO SNACK
Whether you are living or travelling through this hello-kitty loving nation, there is no doubt at some point you will need food. And fast. No doubt you will likely be in proximity to a convenience store. Lawson’s, 7 elevens and Family Mart can be your safe snacking zone if you have done your research.
- Edamame: These little bags of beans goodness are great. Not only are they always fun to eat but are quite a staple and available at most convenience stores. One of the great thing about Japanese convenience stores is that they always feature a microwave, so you can enjoy almost instantly.
- Soyjoy Crispy Bars: Soyjoy bars are delish – especially vanilla. Just remember only the ‘crispy’ bars are vegan.
- Onigiri: These little ricey triangles of happiness can really hit the hanger spot. Vegan flavours tend to include umeboshi (pickled plum), sekihan (red rice), seaweed, and shio (plain rice with salt)
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- Inari: I absolutely love Inari and they have been a go-to snack for me so far but unfortunately i have read that daishi is occasionally added for flavour so buy with caution.
- Nato Rolls: nato rolls are certainly an acquired taste and these fermented soy bean rolls in theory should be vegan but could potentially be grown on different materials, including plant matter, fish, or gelatin. So definitely could be traces of non-vegan elements in their production. Maybe a good desperation snack when the convenience store shelves are low
- Chestnuts: These little fun packs of chestnuts are a hearty snack that can keep you feeling nourished when your next meal seems miles away (but no where near as good as the fresh roasted chestnuts that you will see vendors selling around the country that I highly recommend indulging in!)
- Sweet Potato Sticks: For a vegetable I have always associated with savoury tastes, these sweet sticks are a delightful treat
- MEIJI CHOCOLATE: Many Meiji chocolate products are accidentally vegan! Woohoo! Some include: Comfort Bitter, Elegant Bitter, Blossom Bitter, Fragrant Yuzu, 3 Cocoa Flavour Set, 72% Cacao Blocks, 86% Cacao Blocks, 95% Cacao Blocks, 72% Cacao Blocks with Cacao Nibs
- Soy Milk: You will be spoilt for choice in the soy milk department. Look out for Kikkoman and Marusan branded milks (but keep in mind some of the flavoured options can contain animal-derived flavouring products). Almond milk also features in supermarket and convenience store aisles when you’re lucky!
LIVING IN JAPAN?
One of the great things about living in a country is that generally you will probably have more of an opportunity to cook. Although some fruit and vegetables can be ridiculously expensive, if you shop seasonally you will come across some absolute delicious local produce. I am currently living in the Nagano region, famous of course for delicious apples, but have found so many vegetables like mushrooms and pumpkin to be super cheap and so easy to transform into the most delicious stirfrys and curry’s. It has sure made being a resident vegan in Japan more satisfying.
ONLINE SHOPPING?
To make life slightly easier as a vegan in Japan I do quite a bit of online shopping through iherb who stock an awesome amount of vegan treats, protein powders, sauces, nutritional yeast etc. Who can really resist a 12 pack box of white chocolate/macadamia cliff bars..?
I know that other websites such as Amazon deliver in Japan and there are also some fresh produce delivery services that I have not tried but might be worth checking out if you’re living in a place with less options.
I hope that this helps at least one hangry person navigate the challenging zone of being a vegan in Japan. Good luck fellow veggie lovers.
