May 5, 2024
Subsidies for vegetarian and halal eats in regional areas
Our countryside area of Niigata has quite a large number of international students who hail from Muslim-majority countries, which means they follow a halal diet. Members of my family who have visited me here are also vegan, so I understand the challenges that often come with finding diet-specific eats in regional locations. While it has definitely improved over recent years, I'd say there is still a way to go in both acceptance and availability of suitable eats for halal and vegetarian/vegan individuals.
Pic Credit: Anna Pelzer via Unsplash
I was encouraged, then, to see an article via Japan Times mentioning that subsidies will be provided from the Japan Tourism Agency for regional businesses that set up things like halal/vegetarian-friendly menus and Muslim prayer spaces.
The goal of this is to help tourists to Japan, but I think it's a great thing for international residents, too!
Do you know if it's easy or difficult to find halal or vegetarian/vegan foods in your local area of Japan?
1 Comment
TonetoEdo
on May 8
A glance at Google Maps for restaurants in the northern part of Chiba prefecture comprising Noda, Nagareyama, Matsudo, and Kashiwa Cities reveals Indian or Nepali restaurants that serve vegetarian options. However, there are some vegetarian specialty restaurants with original menus in the region, too.