Hi, I’m Leonore, a certified vegan nutrition coach from Germany, now based in Tokyo. I moved to Japan in 2014 after graduating from Goethe University Frankfurt with a degree in Japanese Studies.

You could say I grew up as a “part-time vegetarian.” My father’s side of the family has always been vegetarian, so eating without meat or fish felt completely natural to me from an early age. In 2009, I decided to become vegetarian myself, and a few years later, while living in Japan, I transitioned to a fully vegan diet after learning more about the realities of the egg and dairy industries.

Being vegan in Japan wasn’t always easy at first. Ingredient labels can be confusing, and plant-based alternatives weren’t nearly as visible as they are today. Over time, though, I learned how to navigate supermarkets, discover hidden gems, and enjoy an incredible variety of delicious plant-based foods.

Wanting to deepen my knowledge, I studied nutrition and became certified as a vegan nutritionist through the German online university ecodemy in 2019. Learning more about nutrition completely changed my relationship with food and my health. I felt more energized, balanced, and resilient, and I wanted to help others experience those benefits as well.

That passion led me to launch itadakihealthy and share practical tips for thriving as a vegan in Japan through Instagram and other online platforms. Since then, I’ve written bilingual guides on basic vegan nutrition, started offering one-on-one online nutrition coaching, and in 2023 published The Ultimate Vegan Guide for Japan, a comprehensive resource for vegan shopping and dining across the country.

My mission is to make being vegan in Japan easier, more accessible, and more enjoyable while helping people feel confident in meeting their nutritional needs. Along the way, I’ve given talks on plant-based nutrition and participated in various vegan events to support and inspire the growing community in Japan.

Veganism in Japan still has a long way to go, but I truly believe that, step by step, we can make a difference together.

Thank you for being here and for being part of this journey. Your support means so much to me!