Pioneers Of Organic, Vegetarian Food In Japan



I went to Koma, Saitama today for the Food Festival, a fun event sponsored by Alishan. They really are the pioneers of organic, vegetarian foods in Japan. Jack and Fey have worked so hard to bring the very best to this country, and make it easy for people to order. It was great to see my old collegues, and new staff, and the belly dancing and yoga and the same old super-busy barn atmosphere... Make sure to be there next time they throw a party.

Photos from Herman's Vegan Japan blog, and from the (new) official Alishan Organic Center website.

Tengu Natural Foods is their mail order service "for organic vegetarian foods, environmentally sound cleaning supplies and more to make life just that much happier and healthier." They ship anywhere in Japan in just a few days (all things being as they should). I worked there part-time 2 years ago in the packing room, climbing the stairs and learning about the organic food business. What I loved? The focus on healthy, non-GMO foods, without chemicals (pesticides or fertilizers). One thing I did not like? The huge trucks that brought the shipping containers from the U.S. The drivers just kept on idling the engines as we were unloading the foods in the parking lot. What a waste of petrol. Hmmm!

Comments

Pandabonium said…
Always a good experience ordering food from them. Top quality and great service.
9:55 pm, June 01, 2009
Martin J Frid said…
P, glad to hear that. Consumer satisfaction is important. Their new 担当 (tanto, the person in charge) of Tengu seems really on top of things and she gave me a nice gift (Landgarten Snack-Mix) that I just have to recommend: GMO-free organic roasted soybeans, "styrian" pumpkin (whatever that is) and sunflower seeds. Perfect for your sailing or bicycle trips.
6:31 pm, June 02, 2009
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