Image: FOODPICT ©︎ INTERNASHOKUNAL & NDC Graphics
In a move to embrace culinary inclusivity, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, will feature pictograms on restaurant menus to cater to the diverse dietary needs of its international attendees. As reported by Japan Forward, this initiative, led by the Kansai Economic Federation (Kankeiren), aims to help visitors - including Muslims, vegetarians, and those with specific food allergies - make informed dining choices without language barriers.
Pictograms, which convey information through images rather than text, have been widely used in Japan since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. At the Expo, 38 distinct icons developed by Kobe-based FOODPICT will indicate ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shellfish, eggs, milk, and alcohol. Participating eateries, including those within the Osaka Restaurant Management Association pavilion, will incorporate these symbols into their menus, ensuring accessibility for guests with varied dietary requirements.
In 2021, Kankeiren launched the Roundtable on Promoting Food Diversity, bringing together food service and travel industry professionals. The group conducted trials with international visitors to evaluate the effectiveness of pictograms, leading to their implementation at the Expo. A representative from the roundtable expressed optimism, stating, "We hope the Expo will serve as a catalyst to establish pictogram displays in Osaka, where many inbound tourists gather".
The initiative extends beyond the Expo grounds, as hotels and various establishments in Osaka have already begun integrating these pictograms into their menus. This broader adoption underscores the city’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for global travelers with diverse dietary preferences.
By integrating these universal visual cues, Expo 2025 Osaka is not just enhancing the dining experience - it is reinforcing Japan’s dedication to cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and world-class hospitality.
