Introducing JJ Walsh: Educator, Guide & Sustainability Consultant
In this episode of the World Vegan Travel Podcast, we speak with Joy Jarman-Walsh, known online as @jjwalsh. Joy is a long-time resident of Japan, a sustainability consultant, tour guide, and the founder of Inbound Ambassador. She’s also the co-founder of GetHiroshima, a helpful resource for visitors to Hiroshima and surrounding areas.
With over 20 years of teaching tourism and sustainability at the university level, Joy has a deep understanding of how Japan’s travel industry can become more sustainable. Her work helps businesses attract international travelers while staying true to Japanese traditions.
How Japan’s Tourism Industry is Embracing Veganism
More and more people are choosing plant-based diets. Joy explains how Japan’s tourism sector is slowly catching on. With the rise in vegan travelers, local businesses are beginning to adapt. From hotels to restaurants, vegan-friendly options are becoming more common, especially in places where locals understand the needs of international guests.
Hiroshima’s Vegan Okonomiyaki: A Cultural Innovation
One great example is Jirokichi, a restaurant in Hiroshima. They make a vegan okonomiyaki, a traditional Japanese savory pancake, using a plant-based “egg.” Joy helped the restaurant owner develop this menu with government support. It’s a big step for Japanese cuisine and shows what’s possible when tradition meets innovation.
Challenges of Adapting Traditional Japanese Cuisine
Changing traditional recipes in Japan isn’t easy. Joy explains that even small changes like replacing dashi (fish-based stock) with plant-based options can be a big deal culturally. Many chefs feel a strong connection to tradition, so moving toward vegan options requires patience, understanding, and local support.
Tools for Vegan Travelers: Phrasebooks & Local Guides
Traveling in Japan as a vegan can be tricky, especially in rural areas where English isn’t widely spoken. Joy created a vegan and vegetarian guide for Western Honshu, which includes helpful phrases and dining tips. These tools make it easier for travelers to eat well and respect local customs.
The Role of Local Businesses in Promoting Sustainability
For real change to happen, local businesses need to care. Joy talks about how sustainable travel isn’t just about being vegan. It includes using old buildings for guesthouses, supporting local farmers, and teaching others. Businesses that want to attract conscious travelers are beginning to take these steps.
Why Setouchi is a Hidden Gem for Vegan Tourists
Setouchi is a lesser-known region, but it’s full of beauty and potential for vegan travelers. From art islands like Naoshima and Teshima to peaceful towns and sustainable guesthouses, Joy shares why this area should be on every traveler’s radar.
Listen to the Full Episode
🎧 Listen to the full episode now to hear more about Joy’s work in sustainable tourism and vegan travel in Japan.
💬 Have you traveled vegan in Japan? Let us know in the comments or on Instagram!
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Useful Links
- Inbound Ambassador
- GetHiroshima
- Vegan & Vegetarian Dining Guide
- Vegan Okonomiyaki at Jirokichi
- Seek Sustainable Japan (YouTube)
- JJ Walsh on LinkedIn
Guests from JJ Walsh’s Seek Sustainable Japan Podcast
- Alex Kerr playlist of talks on Seek Sustainable Japan
- Azby Brown playlist
- Winifred Bird – Eating Wild Japan
- Ria & Robert – Kagoshima-based vegan organic farmers
- Noriko Shindo – Plant-based entrepreneur
- Bernd Shellhorn – Shojin Ryori chef in Noto
- Jack Bayles – Alishan Tengu founder
- Rowie Gaertz – Vegan cafe & yoga studio owner in Nozawa Onsen
- Rosi Galvan – Vegan baker in Osaka
- Kina Jackson – SLICES & Vegan Osaka founder
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- Discover how JJ Walsh helps local businesses across Japan become more sustainable and vegan-friendly.
- Learn about the innovative vegan okonomiyaki at Jirokichi in Hiroshima, developed through a government-supported project.
- Explore the Setouchi region and why it’s becoming a top destination for ethical and plant-based travelers.
- Understand the cultural challenges of introducing vegan dishes, especially when replacing staples like dashi.
- Get practical travel tools like this vegan and vegetarian dining guide for Western Honshu.
- Hear how JJ’s Seek Sustainable Japan podcast promotes local changemakers and eco-conscious travel across Japan.
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- Vegan Delights in Japan: Amy’s Cultural and Culinary Adventure
- From Vegan Delights to Cultural Traditions: The Joy of Japanese Tea, Food, Film, and Religion | Colleen Patrick-Goudreau | Ep 117
- Joyful Vegan Japan II with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
- Shrines, geisha, and green tea – stories from the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto | Alina Teodorescu | Ep 78
- Handy Japanese Language Guide for Vegan Travelers to Japan
- Discover Nagano’s Vegan Gems with Guide Eriko | Eriko Miyao
