Japan

[Tokyo] Tokyo Loving Hut celebrated its first anniversary in June 2009 giving complimentary lunchboxes to the first 20 customers for one month. This generous gesture helped cultivate new concepts of a meat-free diet among people. A lucky customer was won over by the delicious flavor of vegan food and pleasantly surprised to find that he was contributing to the betterment of the Earth’s environment. Another vegan first-timer was so impressed with the vegetarian meat that she expressed an interest in changing her diet.

The complimentary lunch project had been preceded by Loving Hut’s participation in the Earth Day 2009 activities at Tokyo Meiji Park on May 30 and 31. The restaurant provided delicious vegan food and its staff handed out free SOS flyers and DVDs, as well as information on healthy living and the latest updates on the swine flu. People were asked to take immediate action to fight global warming. The response was positive. A university lecturer said that he would show his students the SOS DVD and help them adapt to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Two members from Asia-Pacific Youth Network talked enthusiastically about their intention to lead a vegetarian lifestyle and to spread the news in Japan.

The Loving Hut restaurant staff felt encouraged to see that more people in Japan have become aware of the global warming issue and they will continue working to spread the news to every corner of the country.

[Gunma] In order to help more people understand the importance and significance of the plant- based diet, on May 30, Golden Year 6 (2009), our Gunma Center held a seminar at a vegan café in Tsumagoi Village, Gunma Prefecture.

The event began with an introduction of the vegan lifestyle by the owner of the vegan café, who also spoke on how global warming is directly related to animal husbandry. A video about climate change was shown, highlighting food and water shortages around the world. Fellow initiates and guests then enjoyed a beautifully prepared vegan feast along with light-hearted conversation. An American now living in Japan who is interested in Japanese culture was amazed to see some Japanese attendees dressed in kimonos. While traditional kimonos are made of silk, those worn at the seminar were made of animal-free fibers, yet the fabrics were so vibrant and colorful that they became the center of attention. Everyone was particularly impressed by the delectable Japanese vegan delicacies. Some loved the cheerful and harmonious ambience at the venue, and are looking forward to participating in similar activities in the future. After the seminar, many guests purchased vegan food to be enjoyed at home.

We know that the plant-based lifestyle is the most effective way to address the global warming crisis, but the truth was shocking for people who had never received such information before. They are now willing to take the most crucial step toward protecting the environment by making the vegan diet a part of their everyday life.

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