Food Allergy-Friendly Buffet at The Imperial Hotel Tokyo: No Are Kitchen

Food Allergy-Friendly Buffet at The Imperial Hotel Tokyo

On March 27, 2026, the Royal Hotel Tokyo will host the inaugural Food Allergy-Friendly Buffet and an alliance business presentation titled No Are Kitchen. This event is spearheaded by Food Marico Co., Ltd., which specializes in developing and producing food for individuals with food allergies, partnering with Hamaya Katsuo, a renowned fish-bone company with a history spanning 78 years.

The buffet will showcase dishes made without eight specific allergy-inducing ingredients (eggs, milk, wheat, shrimp, crab, peanuts, walnuts, and soba) and all types of nuts, marking the first such initiative in a Tokyo hotel. Food Marico, led by President Mariko Ueda, prides itself on its commitment to crafting safe meals for people with dietary restrictions and provides consulting services to businesses and restaurants on accommodating allergies and dietary preferences.

What makes this buffet unique is its vision — the No Are Kitchen project aims to create a world where everyone can gather at the same table without fear of allergic reactions or dietary restrictions. This event will not only serve delectable food but also introduce attendees to the concepts behind food accessibility and the newly formed alliance aimed at promoting a food-safe environment for all. Attendees will enjoy the buffet while learning about the backgrounds and missions of participating companies and organizations, including a hands-on workshop and various partner presentations.

Event Details

- Event Title: Food Allergy-Friendly Buffet at The Imperial Hotel Tokyo
- Date: March 27, 2026
- Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM (Reception from 5:00 PM)
- Location: The Imperial Hotel Tokyo, 雅・錦の間

1-1-1 Kōchō, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3504-1111

Ticket Costs

- Adults: 20,000 JPY (tax included)
- Middle and high school students: 15,000 JPY
- Elementary school children: 9,000 JPY
- Under kindergarten: Free (beverages ordered separately)

Program Schedule

- 5:00 PM: Registration opens
- 5:30 PM: Opening remarks by Mariko Ueda (President of Food Marico) and Tadashi Kimura (President of Hamaya Katsuo)
- 5:40 PM: Message from the Executive Chef of the Imperial Hotel, Yu Sugimoto
- 5:45 PM: Buffet starts
- 6:15 PM: Presentation of the alliance’s purpose and Q&A session
- 6:30 PM: Workshop on creating parfaits using allergy-friendly ice cream
- 6:35 PM: Talk session on Japanese cuisine and plant-based issues
- 7:25 PM: Closing remarks by Mariko Ueda

This event is particularly special because it emphasizes knowledge-sharing and collaboration across industries, responding to a pressing social need for greater awareness of food allergies in all dining settings. Furthermore, No Are Kitchen represents more than a simple buffet; it symbolizes a collective step towards a more inclusive dining culture that respects individual dietary needs.

Background of No Are Kitchen

The No Are Kitchen initiative emerged from Mariko Ueda's journey of over 25 years navigating the challenges associated with food allergies. It recognizes that food allergies transcend mere medical concerns to encompass various cultural, religious, and ethical issues, constituting a broader “food barrier-free” societal challenge. Despite the existence of various organizations advocating for inclusion, discussions around food allergies and accommodations remain insufficient across many sectors.

To address this, the concept of a Kids’ Cafeteria Model was proposed in 2025 at Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, propelling collaborative efforts to promote food inclusivity. The collaborations formed through No Are Kitchen are aimed not merely as corporate sponsorships, but rather as a commitment to making food safety and accessibility the new standard in society.

Sponsors and Supporters

The success of the Food Allergy-Friendly Buffet is made possible thanks to the support from various organizations, including Hamaya Katsuo, Morinaga, NTT Docomo, JR West Japan Hotels, and local educational institutions committed to promoting food sustainability.

This groundbreaking event is a call to society, urging each of us to join hands in creating a world where everyone can experience the joy of shared meals, without fear or restriction. Together, we can pave the way towards a truly inclusive culinary experience for all.