Can vegans and non-vegans co-exist in Japan?

Vegan and vegetarian diets anywhere take more effort than those including meat. This can be a matter of simply finding foods that are suitable for your dietary preferences and needs. Acceptance, tolerance and awareness are other issues that complicate things for people following plant-based diets.

Certain countries, particularly Western ones, have seen an increase in awareness in recent years. There has also been more awareness in Japan though it has lagged behind other nations.

Modern Japanese diets with animal products

Japan has certain cultural and religious traditions involving veganism and vegetarianism. However, meat consumption is widespread in modern Japan. While there are articles and news stories covering veganism, there can still be confusion regarding what it means exactly and how it differs from vegetarianism. Some Japanese may not realize that vegans do not eat or use any animal products, and they also are not aware of the differences between related diets such as pescetarianism.

Meat and animal products are so common that otherwise non-animal foods contain animal ingredients that are not necessarily listed, though Japanese and English language services, such as Is it Vegan? can help identify them.

Growing awareness but limited understanding of veganism

Japan has growing recognition of veganism and animal rights, though some Japanese vegans might take a more flexible approach due to peer pressure or wishing to maintain relationships. Compared to other places, Japan has less prominent vegan figures and celebrities to draw examples from, though Japanese cabinet official Norio Kojo has introduced meat-free meals at government agencies in 2017.

Many Japanese are not actively hostile to veganism, though considering the lack of knowledge, it can be hard to see how vegans can co-exist with meat and animal product eaters. Misunderstandings about the reasons behind veganism, as well as confusion about dietary benefits can be reasons for this. Paralympic athlete Mei Ichinose became vegan in large part due to the environmental impact that meat production causes.

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An article published by her alma mater Kindai University features her in a discussion with a meat-eater and vegan from the school. Part of the discussion revolves around whether or not it is possible for high-performance athletes to eat vegan and still meet their dietary needs. They also talk about the perception of veganism on social media, including negative comments and replies.

Key to a peaceful coexistence

Japanese singer and actress Hinano Yoshikawa recently posted a picture of vegan food on her Instagram that sparked controversy, including critical comments from social media users. There were harsh replies about how children should not be forced to eat vegan diets.

Misunderstandings and hostility make it difficult for vegans and others with different diets to peacefully co-exist with meat-eaters and to meet their own dietary preferences and needs. Reasons for veganism range from ethical to environmental to health-related, though meat-eaters have their own valid reasons to continue to pursue an omnivorous diet. Understanding these reasons as well as having a well-rounded, informed perspective on the personal, ethical and environmental impacts of each diet is crucial for empathizing with each other.