Owner
Konami Koyama (Konami Koyama)
Nickname: Konomi-san, Kono
Vegan Since
Became a vegetarian from Spring to Summer 2017
Became vegan in Summer 2017
Reason for Becoming Vegan
Sign
2016. In Osamu Tezuka’s “Buddha,” I saw a scene where a rabbit sacrificed its life for humans, and I suddenly thought, “Maybe one day I will become a vegetarian.” This was something I had never thought of before, so it left a strong impression on me.
Practice
Health → Animals → Environment
This was the progression.
After transitioning from the IT industry to a yoga instructor, and working in diet-related jobs in parallel, I deepened my knowledge of food. I encountered “Fit for Life” (Harvey Diamond & Marilyn Diamond, translated by Asamiko Matsuda, Gusuko Publishing) and practiced it. The stomach pain that had plagued me since middle school disappeared immediately, and I realized the power of plant-based whole foods. After a few months of transition, I became a vegetarian. I almost completely gave up dairy and eggs, but still consumed a little. At that time, I was unaware of the impact of dairy and eggs on animals.
Later, I read “Answering 13 Questions about Vegetarianism: Changing and Transforming Your Life” (Sherry F. Coe, translated by Taichi Inoue, Shin Hyoron) and was shocked. I learned what happens to male calves that do not produce milk and male chicks that do not lay eggs, and was astonished that I had lived without noticing this at all. From that moment, I became vegan.
One year after becoming vegan, I opened my current restaurant and gradually developed a deeper interest in environmental issues.
Benefits of Being Vegan
Life has become simpler and much easier. I always feel great!
Favorite Vegan Foods
Thin pizza with tomato sauce, vegan cheese, and plenty of arugula; natto rice bowl with lots of condiments; dandan noodles; curry rice; toast with unsweetened peanut butter; cold tofu with nutritional yeast, soy sauce, and olive oil; tempeh fries; green curry; curry noodles like Khao Soi; oatmeal porridge; figs.
Favorite Vegan & Sustainable Goods/Spots
Pineapple leather wallet, apple leather bag, clothes from Laura Produce STUDIO R330, SAVE THE DUCK down jacket, hand-spun and hand-woven organic cotton towels, Vegan Cafe PQ’s (love everything—the atmosphere, the staff, the food!)
Recommended Points of Marugoto Vegan
We welcome and see off our guests with cheerful smiles.
All staff are vegan, so we can sincerely empathize with vegan customers. Even non-vegan customers interested in veganism can hear real-life experiences and advice from us.
Hopes for the Future
I hope for a world where all living beings are not exploited.
Everyone has their own choices; I do not in
Miho, Genie
Joined in September 2024
Vegan Since
Around October 2024
Reason for Becoming Vegan
The reason I became vegan is that when I ate animal-based foods, my body felt heavy, my mood became irritable, and I started experiencing physical and mental discomfort.
Also, I felt that it was wrong for humans to eat other living beings, since all creatures, not just humans, have life.
Benefits of Being Vegan
– Body and mind feel lighter
– Became more positive
Eating plant-based foods makes me feel calmer.
Favorite Vegan Foods
– Fruit bowl with soy protein and soy yogurt
– Overnight oats
– Vegan bread
– Steamed vegetables in a bamboo steamer
Favorite Vegan & Sustainable Goods/Spots
– More Than Bakery’s vegan bread
(All breads are vegan on Sundays!)
– Crisp Salad’s avocado salad
(Customizable to your liking!)
– SKIN & LAB skincare products
– Kurashiki okara cookies
Recommended Points of Marugoto Vegan
Everything is recommended, but especially:
– “Original Curry” where you can enjoy the natural taste of ingredients
– Rice flour waffles
All dishes are easy on the stomach, so both children and older guests can enjoy them.
Hopes for the Future
I hope for a future where vegan options are available as a standard choice even when dining out!
In Japan, it’s still often difficult to find vegan-friendly restaurants.
A future where no one asks, “What do vegans eat?”
I hope food diversity will become more widespread.
Message from Me
Becoming vegan has made cooking and mealtime so much more enjoyable.
Compared to filling my stomach with whatever was convenient, carefully nourishing it with healthy food feels comp
Sou
Joined in April 2019
Vegan Since
Autumn 2020
(Although sometimes I eat with gratitude, for example when receiving gifts or dining with others.)
Reason for Becoming Vegan
I didn’t even know the word “vegan” when I first started working at the restaurant. At first, I wondered, “What is this?” while carrying hummus (lol).
From there, I learned many things about the world through food.
Miho’s cooking and staff meals were so delicious that I started imitating them at home. ✨
Benefits of Being Vegan
– I no longer worry about whether to buy things at supermarkets or convenience stores.
– Dishwashing is easier.
– “Cheap things have reasons behind them.”
I developed a habit of thinking about the origins of things, which broadened my interests and perspective on life.
– I began to consciously seek, find, and choose things for myself, rather than being swayed by others.
Favorite Vegan Foods
Sweet potatoes, grated yam (tororo), tofu, natto, rice
Favorite Vegan & Sustainable Goods/Spots
MOMINOKI HOUSE / Nataraji
Recommended Points of Marugoto Vegan
The way the restaurant values connections and relationships.
Both the staff and customers make this place amazing. 💕
Hopes for the Future
I love the teachings of Native Americans, especially the idea of “think seven generations ahead.”
It’s not just “my food” but “our food,” not “my home” but “our land.”
I hope for a world where the next generation can inherit the Earth and feel gratitude for being alive, expressing themselves freely. 😊
Message from Me
One realization I’ve gained through my experiences is that if you fill your life with choices that truly reflect yourself, you become more aware of your heart’s desires.
Most of the people I meet here also cherish their own senses and feelings.
Working here has truly changed my life in a big way!
Manager
Keisuke Koyama (こやま けいすけ)
Nickname: Koyama-sensei, Diet Prince
Vegan Since
July 19, 2020
Reason for Becoming Vegan
I work as a professional diet trainer. During the COVID-19 state of emergency, I cracked my big toe while doing an Instagram live. One way to enhance healing and recover faster is fasting, but due to work, it wasn’t feasible for me.
At that time, I reconnected with my now-wife, the owner Miho (my mentor in the diet industry), and heard a lot about vegan life. I thought, “I can’t fast, but maybe I can try a plant-based diet to boost healing!” and casually started my vegan journey.
After trying it, my fracture healed faster, my gut health improved dramatically, and my body and mind felt amazingly light. I couldn’t find a reason to stop, and that’s how I continued (lol).
I have also been living with a large dog for some time, and I often felt,
“Even though it’s a different species, it feels strange to eat the same kind of animal as this one…”
Once, while driving with my dog in the car during a huge traffic jam on the highway, a truck carrying many plump pigs—probably being transported for shipment—ran beside me for almost an hour. Watching them, I felt again that it was strange to eat these animals.
The pigs had various markings painted on their backs, but they looked happy and playful on the truck bed, which made my feelings even more complicated.
Because of these feelings, transitioning to a vegan lifestyle was quite smooth for me.
Benefits of Being Vegan
As a professional health supporter, I’m delighted that my own health is in excellent condition. I can also live kindly toward animals and the environment, which makes me feel bright and cheerful.
Favorite Vegan Foods
Vegan meals made by my wife
Favorite Vegan & Sustainable Goods/Spots
– Pineapple leather wallet
– Clothes by Laura Produce STUDIO R330
– Adidas sneakers (Adidas stopped using real leather!)
Recommended Points of Marugoto Vegan
The food is vegan, the restaurant itself is vegan, the staff are vegan—Marugoto Vegan is entirely vegan!
Hopes for the Future
I hope the idea that “veganism is kindness” spreads—
Kindness to oneself,
Kindness to animals,
Kindness to the Earth.
Message from Me
Veganism is not the ultimate goal.
It’s not the final destination, but rather a means to:
① Be healthy and live happily!
② Make the Earth more livable for all beings, including humans!
③ Ensure the Earth continues to thrive for a long time!
I hope to convey to many people that a vegan lifestyle can help achieve these most noble goals.
We are currently hiring staff!
If you are interested, please check the page below.
