Job Discussion Forums

[Black_Beer_Man]

Any ideas why the vegetarian lifestyle has not caught on in Japan? In virtually every industrialized country, there are a fairly large number of vegetarians - at least enough for companies such as Burger King to decide to sell veggie burgers.

In Japan, I have not noticed many restaurants offering vegetarian dishes.

You would think that the artistic community in Japan would also have a fair number of vegetarians.

Anyone know much about the veggie scene in Japan?

[mitsui]

Go to Kyoto.
Kyo ryori is food that focuses on dishes without meat. Japanese did not eat pork and beef in the past mostly.

[Solar Strength]

If you're not satisfied with your life in Japan, go to Taiwan. They have vegetarian buffets there.

[HLJHLJ]

I think it hasn't caught on because, culturally, fish isn't considered to be a form of meat here. So there's no driving force to offer fish-free veggie options. If you eat fish, meat-free food is available everywhere.

True veggie food is out there, but it's not so easy to find. Much as vegan food is available in other industrialized countries, but you have to search for it, whereas veggie food is widely available.

[rxk22]

Its interesting. As Japan was vegetarian for a good while. Now all vegetable foods like veggie pizza or veggie gyoza have meat in it

[steki47]

Most Japanese will give you some BS line: "meat is delicious", etc.

The Buddhist clergy here eat anything. You can see pizza delivery scooters outside temples.

As others said, Taiwan is much more supportive of vegetarianism. A buddy of mine is one and lives in Taipei. I am not one but enjoyed the dishes I tried.

Personal gripe: Have met several vegetarians in Japan. Some were cool about it and 1. compromised and ate fish or 2. suffered in silence. Quite a few were incredibly nasty and selfish and complained constantly about how Japan did not meet their dietary needs. Yeah, they were a hoot!

[Black_Beer_Man]

Veggie food may be available, but I have yet to meet a Japanese person who directly says "I am a vegetarian."

I always thought Japanese people followed trendy things fron the West.

Plus, whether you agree with vegetarians or not, there are many facts that support the vegetarian diet (low obesity rates, less heart disease and cancer, lower greenhouse gas footprint). The Japanese generally pick up the best ideas from Western culture and run with them. This one has been missed.

[HLJHLJ]

[RustyShackleford]