Olympic Ice Dancer Misato Komatsubara Enjoys Being Vegan, Deliciously

Ayumi Asagami June 24, 2022

There is a growing population of people who are choosing a vegan life-style, where they avoid eating animal-derived foods like meat, fish and eggs. Misato Komatsubara, 29, an Olympic ice dancer and bronze medalist in the figure skating team event in February’s Beijing Games, is one of those people, and Paralympian Mei Ichinose, is another.

Komatsubara explains that although veganism is gradually spreading in Japan, there are still situations where it is not well understood. “Hopefully more people will come to appreciate the vegan lifestyle,” she adds. 

Changes After Health Scare 

Misato’s vegan lifestyle started around five years ago in 2017, when a tumor was found near her uterus. At the time, her life as an ice dance competitor was based in Italy.

Her doctor warned her that the tumor could possibly rupture if she took an airplane back to Japan, leaving no choice but to undergo surgery in Italy. “I have to admit, I was terrified,” she said. 

The experience led her to re-evaluate her eating habits, which up to then had consisted of high intakes of pizza, pasta, salami and cheese, among others. She took on the challenge of trying veganism, which was becoming popular in Italy at the time. 

Featuring Soy Meat

Since she started figure skating at the age of nine, she had struggled with a strict weight management regime. However, since encountering veganism, she has been able to keep it stable. 

Moreover, her skin condition and constipation also improved, and she felt less tired in competitions. “It works well with my body,” she said 

People who are not familiar with vegan cuisine often ask her, “Does it taste bad?” or “Do you only eat vegetables?” Her main diet consists of rice, oatmeal, vegetables, and fruits, she says. 

Misato also enjoys eating what she calls vegan gourmet. Using soy meat, which is attracting attention as the so-called fourth meat, following beef, pork, and chicken, she makes dishes at home like sukiyaki, and sweets such as pumpkin pie. 

Blends Well with Japanese Cuisine 

Misato is not the only Japanese athlete who is vegan. Former Paralympic swimmer Mei Ichinose is also a professed vegan. The number of athletes who follow a mainly vegetarian diet is said to be increasing.    

Since ancient times, “Shojin ryori” (“Buddhist vegetarian cuisine”), which does not use animal food ingredients, has been deeply ingrained in Japan. Also, ingredients like tofu, miso, and soy-sauce have been supporting Japanese dining tables through the ages. 

“I think Japanese cuisines and veganism may easily blend together,” states Misato.  

She hopes that the understanding of the vegan diet will grow. Misato suggests, “I think trying out a delicious vegan restaurant once would be a good idea.”