Having trouble finding vegan-friendly seasonings in Japan?
In Japan, ingredients like bonito flakes don’t always have to be listed on the label if used in small amounts, and some sugar is processed with animal-derived ingredients. That means it’s often hard to tell whether a product is truly vegan.
When we first started our vegan journey, we really struggled to find seasonings we could trust.
On this page, we’re sharing safe and reliable vegan seasonings that we personally use and love.
As native Japanese, we’re excited to introduce these carefully selected items — we hope they’ll become staples in your kitchen too!
Yamaroku Soy Sauce – Tsuru Bishio (4-Year Aged, Vegan-Certified)
This soy sauce is the first in Japan to receive official vegan certification.Brewed using the traditional saishikomi (double brewing) method, it’s aged for about four years in century-old cedar barrels, resulting in a deep, mellow, and complex flavor.
・Rich and concentrated：Just a small amount adds incredible depth to your dishes.
・Not sweet： If you prefer sweeter soy sauces or are not used to strong-flavored ones, this may not be for you.
Perfect for simmered dishes, chilled tofu, natto — and makes a wonderful gift for fans of authentic Japanese cuisine.
Note: Because of its strong flavor and lack of sweetness, it might not be suitable for those who prefer light or sweet soy sauces.
👉 Check it out on Amazon
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Kadoya Pure Sesame Oil
A staple in kitchens across Japan and many other parts of Asia.
We always keep a bottle in our kitchen — it’s perfect for finishing soups, adding aroma to cold dishes, or even drizzling over natto.
Made from carefully roasted sesame seeds, this 100% pure sesame oil is rich, fragrant, and full of flavor.
Since the flavor is quite concentrated, just a few drops can bring out the best in any dish.
By the way… Kadoya has been making sesame oil in Japan since 1858 — a truly trusted brand! ♫
👉 Check it out on Amazon
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Organic Mikawa Mirin
Unlike many mirin-style seasonings commonly found in stores, which often contain added sugars, alcohol, or flavor enhancers, this is real mirin — made using traditional methods with only three ingredients: organic sweet rice, organic rice koji, and water.
It’s a type of “hon mirin” (true mirin), and more specifically, a Mikawa mirin, which is known for being crafted in the Mikawa region of Japan using time-honored fermentation techniques.
✅ Naturally sweet from fermented rice – no added sugar
✅ Adds a gentle depth and shine to dishes like teriyaki, simmered veggies, and sauces
A staple in my kitchen — I use it for authentic flavor and to bring out natural sweetness in cooking.
👉 Check it out on Amazon
(Affiliate link — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)