While Buddhism-inspired vegetarianism has been part of the Japanese culture since around the 6th and 7th centuries and plants abound in this country, "veganism" as a concept is very new. In this first episode, I provide a frame through which to understand the challenges and the threads of eating plant-based in Japan, including
the influence of Buddhism and other factors that resulted in a mostly plant-based culture for most of its history
how the move toward modernizing Japan — as of 1868 — contributed to the increase in meat consumption
the regional aspect of Japanese cuisine
the "foodie" aspect of Japanese cuisine, which can also lead to food rituals and ceremonies, as well as fodder for satire
I also provide a number of suggestions for what to look for generally if you are traveling in Japan as a joyful vegan, including
which items typically have animal products
what and how to ask for vegan options
where to find the best options as a vegan
Enjoy, and be sure to follow up this episode with Vegan Japanese Cuisine (Part Two): Plant-Based Roots in Familiar, Traditional Dishes
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If you make a purchase using the links below, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you—and you’ll receive exclusive discounts using the codes provided!
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Additional Resources
👉 Connect with me 1:1 – Get personalized guidance whatever you are looking for. (One one-on-one connection is also a perk of the Founding Member/VIP level here on Substack.)
👉 Read A Year of Compassion – Daily inspiration to help you live with intention, kindness, and clarity.
👉 Travel with me! I host animal-friendly, luxury, all-inclusive vegan trips around the world, specifically curated to ensure high-quality, high-touch premium experiences. Check out our upcoming trips, and let me know if you have any questions.
👉 Check out my Recipe E-Books and my library of On-Demand Cooking Classes for recipes.
Thank you for listening.
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