--- title: "World Vegetarian Congress - Vegetarianism and Vegetarians in Japan - IVU - International Vegetarian Union" description: "World Vegetarian Congress - Vegetarianism and Vegetarians in Japan: International Vegetarian Union (IVU) 33rd World Vegetarian Congress Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 - 10, 1999 'Vegetarianism is the Way' an unforgettable visual, cultural and gastronomic experience Vegetarianism and Vegetarians" url: "https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/3743-congress-thai99-texts-kakimoto.html" date: "2026-11-06T00:17:40+00:00" language: "en-GB" --- # World Vegetarian Congress - Vegetarianism and Vegetarians in Japan **International Vegetarian Union (IVU)** | ![IVU logo](https://ivu.org/images/legacy/history/members/pics/ivu-con4.gif) | | |---|---| | ![Congress Logo](https://ivu.org/images/legacy/history/congress/thai99/pics/logo99.gif) **33rd World Vegetarian Congress** Chiang Mai, Thailand, January 4 - 10, 1999 *'Vegetarianism is the Way'* an unforgettable visual, cultural and gastronomic experience Vegetarianism and Vegetarians in Japan *A talk given by [Mitsuru Kakimoto](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/interviews/4362-members-council-mitsuru-kakimoto.html)* A survey of 80 westerners revealed that approximately half of them believed that vegetarianism originated in India. 8% assumed that vegetarianism had its origin in Japan or China, and seem to associated with Buddhism. A history book on Japan written in China around the third century B.C. cites that ancient Japanese ate fresh vegetables, rice and other cereals as staple food, and also took some fish and shellfish, but little flesh. Several hundred years later, Budhism came to Japan and the prohibition of hunting and fishing were prohibited. Since then up to the latter half of the 19th century, Japanese people have enjoyed vegetarian-style meals, called Shojin Ryori. During this time, the Zen System has fixed rules aiming to establish the dietary habits of a pure vegetarian life as a means of training the mind. The Buddhist teachings are not the only source contributing to the growth of vegetarianism in Japan. Doctor Gensai Ishizuka published an academic book on a dietary cure in which he advocated vegetarian cooking with an emphasis on brown rice and vegetables, called Seisyoku (Macrobiotics) which based upon ancient Chinese philosophy such as principles of Ying Yang and Taoism. After world war II, Japan was greatly influenced by nutritional ideas introduced from the USA and in the 1980s, like the USA, we experienced a seriously high rate of geriatric diseases resulting from hypernutrition. Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) vegetarian cuisine began attract interest and Japanese people adopted the US-style SDA cuisine and came up with a new Japanese-style lacto-ovo-vegetarian cuisine in which brown rice is taken in addition to corn flakes and milk. Thus there are three main vegetarian influences in Japanese cuisine: Buddhist, Macrobiotic and SDA. Japanese people started to eat meat some 130 years ago and now suffer the crippling diseases caused by the excess intake of fat in flesh and the possible hazards from the use of agricultural chemicals and additives. This is encouraging them to seek natural and safe food and to adopt once again the traditional Japanese cuisine. In 1993 The Japanese Vegetarian Society (NPO) was formed as a result of concern about animal rights, global environmental issues, third world hunger and human health. Vegetarian society members are eager to face these issues and are working hard both in Japan and globally. *Mitsuru KAKIMOTO D.D. Sc., Ph.D., M.S.A; President of Japanese Vegetarian Society; IVU International Councilor; Vice-president and Professor at Osaka Shin-Ai College.* He has been studying vegetarians from the viewpoint of medical science and dietics and plays a leading role in advocating vegetarianism in Japan. He writes plenty of books and articles on vegetarians and vegetarianism, among which are "Introduction of Healthy Vegetarian" (published in Japan for Japanese readers), "Comparing Nutrition and Health of Japanese High School-Students: SDA Vegetarians and Non-vegetarians Nutrition and Health of Japanese A note on this archive. The history section of this website is drawn from a body of legacy content originally compiled by John Davis, former manager of the International Vegetarian Union. It represents his curation of historical material, and in places includes passages written by him directly. Over the years, the IVU website has migrated between several different hosting servers. In the course of these migrations, a number of PDF files were unfortunately lost, and **some links to PDF documents may no longer function**. Where this is the case, we have chosen to leave the original link text in place, as it may itself carry information of historical value. - Hits: 1406 ### Vegan Recipes - [![Vegan Mozzarella](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/vegan-mozarella_255b5c1edefd49a56fffd164d2c082c5.jpg "Vegan Mozzarella")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-mozzarella.html "Vegan Mozzarella") #### [Vegan Mozzarella](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-mozzarella.html "Vegan Mozzarella") [Vegan Cheese](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/vegan-cheese.html) - [![VEGAN FRIED TOFU WITH GREEN SAUCE](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/th10%2044_a52ac8e4863816f007ccdb7c00e52356.jpg "VEGAN FRIED TOFU WITH GREEN SAUCE")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-fried-tofu-with-green-sauce.html "VEGAN FRIED TOFU WITH GREEN SAUCE") #### [VEGAN FRIED TOFU WITH GREEN SAUCE](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/vegan-fried-tofu-with-green-sauce.html "VEGAN FRIED TOFU WITH GREEN SAUCE") [Breakfast and brunch](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/breakfast-and-brunch.html) [Fake Meats (Tofu etc)](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/fake-meats-tofu-etc.html) [Vietnam](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/vietnam.html) - [![Plantain Soup](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/plantain-soup-1791400910_4bf0c40d86bb7a409ec86978786a3f84.jpg "Plantain Soup")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/plantain-soup.html "Plantain Soup") #### [Plantain Soup](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/item/plantain-soup.html "Plantain Soup") [Main course](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/main-course-for-lunch-and-dinner.html) [Soups](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/soup.html) [Central America](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/central-america.html) [South America](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/front-page/category/south-america.html) ### VFA Blog - [![Exploring the Versatility of Jackfruit in Vegan Cuisine](https://ivu.org/media/zoo/images/jackfruit-vegan-chicken_38d26d6f0069138610db7aebc31a29e3.jpg "Exploring the Versatility of Jackfruit in Vegan Cuisine")](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/exploring-the-versatility-of-jackfruit-in-vegan-cuisine.html "Exploring the Versatility of Jackfruit in Vegan Cuisine") #### [Exploring the Versatility of Jackfruit in Vegan Cuisine](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/exploring-the-versatility-of-jackfruit-in-vegan-cuisine.html "Exploring the Versatility of Jackfruit in Vegan Cuisine") - [Read more](https://ivu.org/vegan-recipes-around-the-world/vegan-food-academy/blog-front-page/item/exploring-the-versatility-of-jackfruit-in-vegan-cuisine.html) ### Science - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html) [ Rapid global phaseout of animal agriculture has the potential to stabilize greenhouse gas levels for 30 years](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/207-rapid-global-phaseout-of-animal-agriculture-has-the-potential-to-stabilize-greenhouse-gas-levels-for-30-years.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html) [ Animal Agriculture and Climate change a Qualitative holistic note](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/206-animal-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-qualitative-holistic-note.html) Popular - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html) [ Environmental Impact of Two Plant Based Isocaloric and Isoproteic Diets The Vegan Diet vs the Mediterranean Diet](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/science/202-environmental-impact-of-two-plant-based-isocaloric-and-isoproteic-diets-the-vegan-diet-vs-the-mediterranean-diet.html) Popular ### History [ ![Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/0f49c89d1e7298bb9930789c8ed59d48.jpg) Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/283-taiwans-climate-legislation-embraces-plant-based-eating.html "Taiwan's climate legislation embraces plant based eating") [ ![Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022 Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/6a9aeddfc689c1d0e3b9ccc3ab651bc5.jpg) Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022 Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/282-chinese-dietary-guidelines-2022-guideline-4-eat-fish-poultry-eggs-and-lean-meat-in-moderation.html "Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022 Guideline 4 Eat fish poultry eggs, and lean meat in moderation") [ ![Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No 297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference](https://ivu.org/joomlatools-files/docman-images/generated/e3796ae838835da0b6f6ea37bcf8bcb7.jpg) Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No 297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference ](https://ivu.org/international-vegetarian-union/resources/history/vegan-nutrition-history/281-reply-to-proposal-no-4748-agriculture-and-water-conservancy-category-no-297-of-the-third-session-of-the-13th-national-committee-of-the-chinese-peoples-political-consultative-conference.html "Reply to Proposal No 4748 (Agriculture and Water Conservancy Category No 297) of the Third Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People´s Political Consultative Conference") ### Download the Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet for Kids and Adolescents - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html) [ vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/117-vegetarian-nutrition-booklet-for-kids-and-adolescents.html) Popular 7676 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html) [ Booklet IVU portugues web](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/122-booklet-ivu-portugues-web.html) Popular 7320 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html) [ Nutrition Guide for Students (with Khmer Translation)](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/123-nutrition-guide-for-students-with-khmer-translation.html) Popular 6052 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html) [ ベジタリアン・ヴィーガン栄養ガイド](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/130-2023-05-03-18-17-13.html) Popular 5524 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html) [ BROȘURA DE NUTRIȚIE VEGETARIANĂ - Romanian](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/124-vegetarian-nutritie-cartea-pentru-copii-si-adolescenti.html) Popular 5040 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html) [ CARTEL DE NUTRICIÓN VEGETARIANA](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/kids-booklet/131-cartel-de-nutricion-vegetariana.html) Popular 4558 downloads ### Nutrition - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html) [ What are the best sources of protein Introducing the BPI Score](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/294-what-are-the-best-sources-of-protein-introducing-the-bpi-score.html) Popular 603 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html) [ 2024 The OMNIVEG STUDY Health outcomes of shifting from a traditional to a vegan Mediterranean diet in healthy men A controlled crossover trial](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/250-2024-the-omniveg-study-health-outcomes-of-shifting-from-a-traditional-to-a-vegan-mediterranean-diet-in-healthy-men-a-controlled-crossover-trial.html) Popular 2782 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html) [ Plant Based Nutrition Exploring Health Benefits for Atherosclerosis, Chronic Diseases, and Metabolic Syndrome—A Comprehensive Review](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/205-plant-based-nutrition-exploring-health-benefits-for-atherosclerosis-chronic-diseases-and-metabolic-syndrome-a-comprehensive-review.html) Popular 3834 downloads - [ pdf ](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html) [ 2024 Plant and Animal Fat Intake and Overall and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Main Folder All Cause Mortality](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutrition-articles/health-nutrition/204-2024-plant-and-animal-fat-intake-and-overall-and-cardiovascular-disease-mortality-main-folder-all-cause-mortality.html) Popular 4052 downloads ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/02/adult-guide-029d8cad.png)### The International Vegetarian Union’s Vegan Nutrition Guide for Adults In 2 versions: - [For healthcare professionals](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/the-international-vegetarian-union-s-vegan-nutrition-guide-for-adults-healthcare-professionals.html) - [General Public Edition](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide/guide-for-non-healthcare-professionals.html) [Get it now](https://ivu.org/nutrition/nutritional-guide.html) ![](https://ivu.org/images/banners/booklet2.jpg)### Vegetarian Nutrition Booklet A Dietary Approach to Vegetarianism for Kids and Adolescents The intention of this booklet is present to kids and adolescents a healthy vegan diet [Read more](https://ivu.org/nutrition/vegetarian-nutrition-book-for-kids-and-adolescents.html) Vegan Nutrition ![](https://ivu.org/media/yootheme/cache/a6/logo_IVU_01_SLOGAN-a678b962.png) ### Presidents, Chair and Council - 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