For all of its exuberantly vast scale, and all its sumptuous products, and its fizzingly enthusiastic post-pandemic exhibitors, the Foodex 2023 trade show captured Japan at a vulnerable moment. One exhibit in particular symbolised the issue: three plates of vegan sashimi. They appeared to be displaying delicious raw cuts of real tuna, salmon and squid. But — made purely from vegetable matter — these offerings may have represented the shape of menus to come, and the protection Japan needs against a fish sustainability crisis.

Lewis, L. (2023, July 10). Japan's food producers aim to cultivate a taste for fake fish. The Manila Times, p. C6.