Introduction to FOODPICT
A World-Class Ingredient Indication Tool
There are 3.1 billion people (1 in 3) worldwide who have foods they are unable to eat due to food allergies, vegetarianism, religious beliefs, or other dietary restrictions. With Japan planning to welcome over 30 million tourists in 2024, the highest number yet, the need for a tool that allows people, regardless of background, to enjoy their meals without worry is more important than ever.
FOODPICT provides ingredient indication pictograms, developed based on an international survey of 1,500 people to determine comprehension, visibility, and necessity. The basic set of 16 pictograms includes 8 related to religious food taboos or vegetarianism, and 8 to indicate major food allergens.
FOODPICT ©️ INTERNASHOKUNAL & NDC Graphics
Where to Find FOODPICT
FOODPICT transcends language and cultural differences, allowing people to easily understand the ingredients in their food and make informed choices at a glance. It also facilitates communication with employees who may not speak English or languages other than Japanese.
FOODPICT is now being used in over 1,600 restaurants by 100 companies across Japan and is continuing to grow. Food is essential for everyone. With FOODPICT, we can create a future where everyone can gather around the table and eat with peace of mind.
Traveling in Japan?
Use FOODPICT's Communication App.
A Web Application and Communication Card are available for free to use while traveling in Japan. These two services use FOODPICT’s pictograms to communicate important information regarding one’s personal dietary restrictions.
They both feature the phrase “I cannot eat this” in Japanese, along with 14 food pictograms, and checkboxes to indicate your personal dietary restrictions. Please show to staff members at restaurants and hotels.
Story
When the creator and founder of FOODPICT, Nobutaka Kikuchi, was a university student, he recognized the difficulties his Muslim and vegetarian friends visiting Japan faced when trying to understand what ingredients were in Japanese dishes.
This experience led him to start activities aimed at creating a society in which everyone can enjoy eating, beyond differences of nationality, religion, language, and so on. Nobutaka Kikuchi did not want the difficulties his friends faced to continue, and thus FOODPICT was created, allowing him to help everyone enjoy Japanese food.
Contact
Please message us if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.