Why Oizumi Kojo Promotes "Plant-Based": Comment from Representative Kantaro Oizumi Released.
Oizumi Kojo Co., Ltd. has released a comment from its representative, Kantaro Oizumi, explaining the reasons behind promoting "Plant-Based" initiatives as part of its corporate policy for the fiscal year 2026. The company emphasizes that Plant-Based aligns with its philosophy of considering the global environment and health.
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- 📰 Published: April 2, 2026 at 00:00
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Oizumi Kojo Co., Ltd. (Head office: Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture; Representative Director: Kantaro Oizumi; hereinafter, "the Company") is pleased to release a comment from its representative, Kantaro Oizumi, explaining the reasons for promoting "Plant-Based" initiatives as part of its corporate policy for fiscal year 2026, as the new fiscal year begins.
Our company engages in corporate activities with the aim of "filling the Earth with smiles and creating a wonderful environment." In this comment, we will convey our approach to social issues and environmental problems surrounding food, and the background and ideas behind why we position Plant-Based at the core of our business.
## Comment from Kantaro Oizumi, Representative of Oizumi Kojo, at the beginning of Fiscal Year 2026
Oizumi Kojo operates a business that does not handle animal-derived ingredients, but I myself am not vegan. So why do we not handle animal products? The reason is very simple: when considering the global environment and health, "Plant-Based" is the choice that best aligns with our philosophy right now.
What is important is not ideology or words, but continuing to make choices that lead to the future.
This is a question I've been asked frequently.
"Is Oizumi Kojo a vegan company?"
Since we operate a business that does not handle animal-derived ingredients, it's understandable why people might think that. However, in reality, very few of our staff identify themselves as "vegan." And I myself am not vegan. Many people are surprised when I say this.
So why do we not handle animal-derived ingredients?
The reason is very simple: when considering the global environment and health, "Plant-Based Products" are the choice that best aligns with our philosophy right now.
However, and this is a very important point, if future research progresses and it is scientifically proven that a different approach is better for both the environment and health, I intend to flexibly change our policy. We do not want to protect the term or concept of Plant-Based itself, but rather to continue choosing the most rational and future-oriented method for the purpose of "continuing to create a wonderful environment."
That being said, I probably will not engage in activities to promote industrialized livestock farming, where animals are raised in poor conditions, or processed meats that clearly have adverse health effects. This stance will likely remain unchanged.
I hope it's now a little clearer that Oizumi Kojo is promoting "Plant-Based," not "Veganism."
So, what exactly is Plant-Based?
Put very simply, it refers to "foods made from plant-derived ingredients." At Oizumi Kojo, we also consider "Organic / Natural" to be very important.
The difference between Plant-Based and Vegan is that while they often seem similar, their approaches are actually different.
- Plant-Based is the idea of actively consuming plants.
- Veganism is the idea of not exploiting animals and not consuming animal products.
As a result, both often lead to meals that do not contain animal products, but their starting points are different.
To summarize, these are some of the differences.
Our company engages in corporate activities with the aim of "filling the Earth with smiles and creating a wonderful environment." In this comment, we will convey our approach to social issues and environmental problems surrounding food, and the background and ideas behind why we position Plant-Based at the core of our business.
## Comment from Kantaro Oizumi, Representative of Oizumi Kojo, at the beginning of Fiscal Year 2026
Oizumi Kojo operates a business that does not handle animal-derived ingredients, but I myself am not vegan. So why do we not handle animal products? The reason is very simple: when considering the global environment and health, "Plant-Based" is the choice that best aligns with our philosophy right now.
What is important is not ideology or words, but continuing to make choices that lead to the future.
This is a question I've been asked frequently.
"Is Oizumi Kojo a vegan company?"
Since we operate a business that does not handle animal-derived ingredients, it's understandable why people might think that. However, in reality, very few of our staff identify themselves as "vegan." And I myself am not vegan. Many people are surprised when I say this.
So why do we not handle animal-derived ingredients?
The reason is very simple: when considering the global environment and health, "Plant-Based Products" are the choice that best aligns with our philosophy right now.
However, and this is a very important point, if future research progresses and it is scientifically proven that a different approach is better for both the environment and health, I intend to flexibly change our policy. We do not want to protect the term or concept of Plant-Based itself, but rather to continue choosing the most rational and future-oriented method for the purpose of "continuing to create a wonderful environment."
That being said, I probably will not engage in activities to promote industrialized livestock farming, where animals are raised in poor conditions, or processed meats that clearly have adverse health effects. This stance will likely remain unchanged.
I hope it's now a little clearer that Oizumi Kojo is promoting "Plant-Based," not "Veganism."
So, what exactly is Plant-Based?
Put very simply, it refers to "foods made from plant-derived ingredients." At Oizumi Kojo, we also consider "Organic / Natural" to be very important.
The difference between Plant-Based and Vegan is that while they often seem similar, their approaches are actually different.
- Plant-Based is the idea of actively consuming plants.
- Veganism is the idea of not exploiting animals and not consuming animal products.
As a result, both often lead to meals that do not contain animal products, but their starting points are different.
To summarize, these are some of the differences.