Safety Notice

If you have a severe food allergy, please be careful in Japan. Many restaurants cannot guarantee complete allergen removal. Always inform the staff about your allergy and carry any necessary medicine, such as an EpiPen.

If you have trouble breathing or feel a strong reaction, call 119, the emergency number in Japan.

How to Read Food Allergy Labels in Japan

A simple guide for first‑time visitors and families in Okinawa

1. Key Point: Learn the “8 Required” and “20 Recommended” Allergens

Japan has a clear food allergy labeling system. There are 8 required allergens and 20 recommended allergens. If you know these, choosing food becomes much easier.

For more details, see Japan’s Food Allergy Labeling System Explained.

2. Why Labels Look Difficult

Many labels use Japanese and kanji
But the rules are simple and unified
Supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants show information differently

3. Required Allergens (8 Items) with Japanese Labels

These must be shown on all packages. The Japanese words below are what you will see on the label.

Egg：卵 (Tamago)
Milk：乳 (Nyuu)
Wheat：小麦 (Komugi)
Buckwheat：そば (Soba)
Peanut：落花生 (Rakkasei) / ピーナッツ (Peanut)
Shrimp：えび (Ebi)
Crab：かに (Kani)
Walnut：くるみ (Kurumi)

4. Recommended Allergens (20 Items)

These are often shown, but not always required:

Almond
Cashew nut
Sesame
Soy
Chicken / Pork / Beef
Salmon / Mackerel
Banana / Kiwi / Peach / Apple … and more

5. How to Read Allergy Labels on Packaged Food

Common label styles

“Contains egg, milk, wheat…” written in the ingredient list
A separate allergy section
“Made in a factory that also uses ○○” → This means possible cross‑contamination

Useful Japanese → English

卵を含む → Contains egg
小麦を含む → Contains wheat
乳成分を含む → Contains milk
大豆を含む → Contains soy
落花生を含む → Contains peanut

Tip: Take a photo and translate later

It is easier to take a photo of the package and translate it later at your hotel. This is safer than translating in a hurry inside the store.

Learn more in How to Translate Japanese Food Labels.

6. Convenience Store Packaged Food Is Easy to Choose

Many packaged foods sold in convenience stores have clear allergy labels
Some products include an allergen list or check table on the back
The format varies by manufacturer, but checking the back of the package makes your choice much safer
Seven‑Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart often have clear labels

7. Eating Out: What You Need to Know

Some restaurants show icons for allergens
But many places cannot guarantee 100% allergen‑free meals
Cross‑contamination is possible in shared kitchens

Useful English phrases

I have a food allergy.
Does this contain ○○?
Is there a risk of cross‑contamination?
Can you check the ingredients?

Best Method: Show an Allergy Card

Save this template on your phone. Fill in the [ ] with your allergen.

I have a severe [ Allergen ] allergy. 私は重度の［日本語のアレルゲン名］アレルギーがあります。

Even a small amount could cause a severe allergic reaction. 少量でも食べると命に関わることがあります。

Please check the ingredients before serving. 提供前に原材料をご確認ください。

Example: I have a severe Egg allergy. 私は重度の卵アレルギーがあります。 Even a small amount could cause a severe allergic reaction. 少量でも食べると命に関わることがあります。 Please check the ingredients before serving. 提供前に原材料をご確認ください。

Learn more in How to Make an Allergy Card in Japanese.

8. Supermarket Deli and Bakery Items

These foods are cooked in the store
Cross‑contamination risk is higher
Bakeries often mix egg, milk, wheat, and nuts
Ask the staff if you are unsure

9. Tips for Families and Long‑Stay Visitors

Choose packaged food first because labels are clear
Choose restaurants with allergy‑friendly menus
Convenience store packaged food is easy to understand
Buy the same “safe” items again during your trip
Carry your allergy card and medicine

10. Okinawa‑Specific Allergy Notes

Peanut tofu (Jimami Tofu) → contains peanuts
Sata‑Andagi → contains egg and wheat
Okinawa soba → contains wheat
Many dishes use sesame

Important note for peanut allergies

Peanut tofu in Okinawa is written as Jimami Tofu (じーまーみ豆腐). “Jimami” means peanut in the Okinawan language. If you have a peanut allergy, avoid anything with the word Jimami.

Learn more in Okinawa Food Allergen Guide.

11. FAQ

Q. Can I bring my EpiPen to Japan? Yes. You can carry it on the plane.

Q. Can I ask convenience store staff about allergens? Yes. But checking the package label is the most accurate way.

Q. What if I cannot read Japanese? Take a photo of the package and translate it later in a quiet place.

Q. Is a translation app enough? It helps, but using a Japanese allergy card is safer.

Q. Do restaurants have allergy information in English? Some do, but many do not.

Q. Can restaurants remove allergens? Many cannot guarantee complete removal.

Q. What does “may contain” look like in Japan? It is often written as “Made in a factory that also uses ○○.”

Q. What if I am not sure whether a food is safe? If you are not sure, do not eat it. Choose another food or ask the staff. Staff in Japan are usually kind and will try to help you.

12. Quiet Tip

You may want to try many new foods during your trip. But if you have food allergies, choosing foods you already know are safe is also a good way to enjoy Okinawa.