Ian: I translated what you wrote using Google and the first sentence “Watashi wa kanzen saishoku shugi-shadesu” seems to jive with other things I’ve heard / learned.

But the second sentence: “Watashi wa yasai to kokumotsu shika tabemasen” is a bit confusing. It translates properly to “I only eat vegetables and grains” in Google, but doesn’t the “sen” part on the end of the word “tabemas” make it a negative statement? As in “I don’t eat”?

Sorry if that’s a dumb question. I’m learning!!

Thanks Guys!

Ian: is there any way you can post those phrases in romanji? I’ve only just gotten through memorizing hiragana and I read it like a pre-schooler!! I haven’t tackled katakana or kanji at all yet.

Joel: Funny you mention Dashi because I just went out and bought some! Kombu Dashi is made from seaweed and (at least the one I have) is completely vegan :D There are actually WAY better resources than those listed on that thread. The restaurant guides will be helpful for the days when I’m in major cities. But when traveling to smaller towns I’m going to need to be able to say what I mean clearly and concisely. Like I said, I sometimes have issues with this in the US even, so I need to practice saying: no meat, no fish, no fish sauce, no fish flakes, no fish broth, no milk, no cheese, no eggs, no honey. Yes seaweed, yes tofu, yes veggies, yes rice.

As for the resources Happy Cow is the best: http://www.happycow.net/asia/japan/
The Vegan Passport is essential (though I would like to go more in depth and confirm the Japanese section) :
http://shop.vegansociety.com/product_info.php?products_id=231
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:udtGifzFDv0J:vege-navi.jp
http://vegansociety.jp/