Imperial Hotel TOKYO’s efforts to reducing animal suffering

What is necessary to resolve the common issue of human beings, the earth and animals is to change animal proteins to better ones and intake them less. Efforts to save animals, promoting animal welfare and veganism are inseparable, as are two wheels of a vehicle.

Now that companies are required to work on solving social issues through their core business, the Imperial Hotel TOKYO, after a talk with Animal Rights Center Japan, has started offering “vegan French gastronomy” and “banana smoothie with soy milk and soy flour” as wellness accommodation at the end of last year. Furthermore, they announced they will offer a “sustainable room service plan,” in which people can enjoy egg dishes using cage-free eggs with room service for breakfast.

Mr. Sugimoto, the 14th heads chef of the Imperial Hotel TOKYO, commented: “We are working on ‘changing society deliciously’ efforts, in which our guests can enjoy a relaxing time and meals that are healthy in mind and body. As part of these efforts, we are involved in developing new products focusing on a combination of accommodation and food. We believe we have a responsibility to consider the global environment which supports our guests’ health and good meals we serve.”

Imperial Hotel TOKYO, moreover, started to sell cream puffs using cage-free eggs at the Hotel shop ‘Pâtisserie GARGANTUA.’ The Instagram post of the hotel states, “From October, we started to sell cream puffs using cage-free eggs. The cage-free eggs we use are produced based on the idea of animal welfare to reduce stress and disease of animals by rearing them in a free and comfortable environment. Cage-free eggs mean eggs from hens not kept in cages . It is said that the open space allows hen to move around freely, reducing stress on them, making them less prone to disease and growing healthily. In addition, animal welfare also has been attracting attention as an activity involved with SDG’s. “ The hotel explains “ The cage- free egg cream puff that has been released this time uses cage-free eggs in both puff pastry and custard cream. “

There have been some high-end confectionery shops using cage-free eggs. However, Imperial Hotel TOKYO’s effort is significant because it is clearly expressed that the company’s stance is based on the philosophy of animal welfare principles.
The Imperial Hotel TOKYO has a big advantage over their competitors in the animal welfare field by showing an understanding that using livestock products that raise healthy animals is an activity that can contribute to the SDGs, not just because it tastes good and is good for the body.This advantage will surely influence the decisions of other companies.

Among the hotel industries, we suppose there are some other hotels that also use cage-free eggs and other animal welfare products. However, companies will not be evaluated simply by using them without disclosing them. By publicizing their animal welfare philosophy behind it and recognized as an initiative to improve society will improve the value of the company at this time when ESG (environmental, social, and governance) is emphasized. We can say that the Imperial Hotel Tokyo’s “ changing the society deliciously” efforts ha exerted a great influence on rescuing animals by being announced on their social media.

Notice: Imperial Hotel TOKYO says as of January 16, 2023, the day this story was uploaded, “Wellness Stay Plan” is not offered because of the peak season of year end and new year.

Translated By: A.Kimura