Bagel House KOTOHIRA, a vegan and vegetarian bagel specialty shop in Kotohira, Kagawa Prefecture, has earned the Japanese Agricultural Standard JAS0026 — the national certification for restaurants and food businesses that serve vegetarian and vegan dishes. It is the first bagel shop in Japan to receive this certification. Starting June 1, 2026, the shop is expanding beyond its local storefront to offer nationwide online sales as well as wholesale supply to hotels, inns, restaurants, and retailers.
Japan's First Certified Vegan Bagel Shop
As the number of international visitors to Japan continues to grow and health-conscious eating becomes more mainstream, demand has increased at tourist destinations, accommodations, and restaurants to accommodate a range of dietary needs based on religion, culture, and personal lifestyle. However, with more products and services claiming vegan or vegetarian status, it has been difficult for consumers to evaluate differences in ingredients, manufacturing processes, and quality control standards.
To address this, Bagel House KOTOHIRA spent approximately a year and a half reviewing its ingredient sourcing, production processes, and service methods before successfully meeting the stringent requirements of the JAS0026 standard. The certification was obtained on April 16, 2026.
What Is JAS0026?
The Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) are national benchmarks set by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, covering the quality, production methods, and management of food and agricultural products. JAS0026 specifically defines management requirements for restaurants and food businesses offering vegetarian and vegan dishes, and only businesses that pass a third-party audit can obtain the certification.
Key management areas covered by JAS0026 include:
- Proper management and verification of raw ingredients
- Prevention of cross-contamination with animal-derived ingredients
- Establishment of management protocols in manufacturing and cooking processes
- Appropriate labeling and operations at the point of service
- Employee training and management system development
About Bagel House KOTOHIRA
Bagel House KOTOHIRA opened in October 2024 as a specialty shop offering approximately 100 or more types of vegan and vegetarian bagels per year. The menu draws on local Shikoku specialty products and seasonal vegetables sourced from nearby farms. The shop is located within KOTOVEGAS, a mixed-use facility in Kotohira designed to revitalize the local area with food and retail experiences.
With the JAS0026 certification now in place, the shop's online store is being revamped for a broader national audience, making it possible to order its certified vegan and vegetarian bagels from across Japan.
Shop Information
Bagel House KOTOHIRA
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
- Location: 279-2 Kotohira-cho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa (inside KOTOVEGAS)
- Website: https://bagelhousekotohira.jp/
