In Jiyugaoka, there is a vegan cuisine speciality store called T’s Restaurant. (About T’s Restaurant, please kindly find this article as well). T’s Restaurant is owned by Masako Shimokawa, a pioneer in vegan cuisine and a director of the Japan Plant-Based Market Association. This time, we had the opportunity to hear from Ms.Shimokawa about T’s Restaurant and its philosophy.
– The start of T’s Restaurant in Jiyugaoka
Thank you for making time to meet with us today despite your busy schedule. The restaurant is bustling with so many foreign visitors that it feels like I’m on a trip.
Thank you. Yes, we are very happy to have many foreign customers as well.
The T’s brand can now be found in other places such as Tokyo Station and Narita airports. What was the starting point for this?
I learned that a friend had become ill and switched to a vegetable-based diet. Hearing their story made me realize once again how important it is to live a life centred around vegetables without additives. At that time, I was a full-time housewife, cooking meals for my family every day. I wanted my family to stay healthy and not get sick. I decided to try making vegetable-centered menus and experimented with various dishes for my family. Some dishes didn’t turn out well, but one day, a meat sauce pasta using koya tofu as a meat substitute was very well received. The following day, when I made a different vegan menu, my family was delighted again. It was around the time when my child-rearing duties were coming to an end, and I began to think about my future. I wanted to communicate the importance of health through food. From there, I was able to connect with various people who supported me, leading to the opening of T’s Restaurant in Jiyugaoka.
– Gather around the same table and have a great time together
In Japan, vegetarian and vegan options are often limited at many restaurants. So, I was pleasantly surprised to find a wide variety of dishes at T’s Restaurant.
We offer a wide range of dishes, from starters to desserts, so that everyone can gather around the same table. For example, a child with parents who cannot eat cake due to wheat allergies can enjoy T’s whole cake with their children, allowing everyone to share a birthday cake regardless of allergies. There was one couple who came up to me to share their story. After giving birth, the wife became unable to eat animal products. They said that they were able to enjoy the same meal together and exchange happy looks for the first time in years. We are happy to meet such people and want to further promote vegan cuisine.
– T’s Restaurant to offer more choices for vegans
Currently, in addition to Jiyugaoka, there are five “T’s Tantan” shops located at Tokyo Station, Ueno Station, Narita Airport, and other locations. We offer quick-eating options such as ramen, and of course, we do not use any animal products such as meat, seafood, dairy, or eggs. Located in high-traffic areas such as train stations and airports, we hope to provide a convenient option for vegans, even in situations where time is limited.
I think there are still relatively few options for vegans and vegetarians in Japan. In that context, many people may find courage in the existence of the T’s brand. Finally, could you please give a message to those who are watching belongingJAPAN?
When talking to people from overseas, I often hear that Japan is a hospitable country with beautiful scenery and is very enjoyable. However, they also mention that Japan is not very vegan-friendly. When travelling or moving abroad, the most memorable thing is often the food. I want to propose meals that people can truly enjoy, even if they have any food restrictions, so that they can look back on their time in Japan with fondness. Please feel free to visit T’s Restaurant anytime.
Details:
Contact: View Website
Address: Luz Jiyugaoka B1F, 2-9-6 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:30-21:00 (L.O. 20:30) Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
