3. Are there any customs related with vegetarians in Japan?

3.     Are there any customs related with vegetarians in Japan?

We don`t call them as vegetarians or vegie, but Japan surely has a custom that corresponds with no-meat dish. This is the dish which we call “Shojin Ryori.” This culture came to Kyoto Prefecture from China and Korea together with the introduction of Buddhism. Shojin Ryori prohibits eating meat because “Retribution” is firmly believed, which means that all things of nature have its soul. They cook within vegetables and beans-nature foods. The Japanese word “Shojin” means that each person should devote the pursuit of one's faith. It is the one of the most important duty in Buddhism. Nowadays, Japanese dish has changed into a mixture of Western dish, which use eggs and meat. However, temples and shrines all over Japan still respect Shojin Ryori and serve worship visitors no-meat dish. Japanese cooking gets worldwide attention these years in terms of offering healthy and well-balanced meal, and Shojin Ryori is recognized as one of that ideal style.

     This is one of the custom related with vegetarians in Japan. This is well known not only by Japanese people but also to foreign visitors as it is a custom of Kyoto, a famous sightseeing spot. Many tourists try them when they come to Kyoto.

Works cited:

Shojin-ryori | Kyoto Travel Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2016, from http://kyoto.travel/en/food/202

Kikkoman Corporation. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2016, from http://www.kikkoman.com/foodforum/thejapanesetablebackissues/14.shtml