When I sat down to watch Wicked, I expected dazzling visuals, catchy songs, and a twist on the classic Wizard of Oz. What I didn't expect was a surprisingly powerful message about animal rights, systemic injustice, and the importance of speaking up for those who can't.

Genevieve Guenther's book "The Language of Climate Politics" delves into the intricate relationship between language and climate discourse. As the founding director of End Climate Silence and an expert in climate communication, Guenther brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table, making her work a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation about climate change and policy. 

Hakuba, located in the breathtaking Japanese Alps, is a renowned destination for winter sports enthusiasts, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding. Beyond its stunning slopes and alpine scenery, Hakuba also has a growing culinary scene, including Sol, a small but welcoming vegan cafe!

Tucked away in a cosy corner of Osaka, this vegan eatery has become a favourite among locals and travellers alike for its inventive dishes, welcoming atmosphere, and dedication to cruelty-free cooking. From hearty mains to indulgent desserts, Mercy Vegan Factory offers a great dining experience.

Located in the heart of the city, this charming restaurant takes vegan dining to the next level, offering creative, flavourful dishes that highlight the best of Japanese and international cuisine. This restaurant redefines plant-based dining in Osaka.

Nestled in the vibrant streets of Dotonbori, Osaka is a vegan restaurant called Pivot Base. Known for its plant-based versions of takoyaki and yakisoba, this eatery serves up classic Osaka flavours with a cruelty-free twist.

Vegan Ramen by Playpen Friends in Osaka is a great spot for those seeking plant-based ramen options. The restaurant offers a variety of ramen broths including shoyo and tonkotsu, which was probably one of the best things I have ever eaten in my life.

Kanazawa is a charming city located in the Ishikawa Prefecture of Japan, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. It boasts a vibrant food scene, is home to the Kenroku-en Garden, and features historic districts like Higashi Chaya, where visitors can experience traditional tea houses. This is definitely a hidden gem, and though we were not optimistic of finding vegan food, we did not have enough time to try it all!

Vegan Veggie Joga, located in the trendy Aoyama district of Tokyo, is a delightful haven for those seeing plant-based cuisine infused with medicinal herbs. 

Tosso, located in the Roppongi Hills North Tower, is a bistro that offers a unique dining experience centred around plant-based food.

Nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Roppongi, Oscar Wilde is a charming vegan donut shop that will become a favourite among locals and tourists. Known for its creative flavours, the shop is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth, especially if you are looking for plant-based options.

Japan is one of the hardest countries to find vegan food, and we have to rely on each other to identify noteworthy places. Kamui Restaurant in Hakuba, Nagano, Japan is one of those places that has been identified by other vegans as a spot to go and eat. So we made a booking. 

Japan is often considered one of the most challenging places in Asia to find vegan food, but during my visit to Tokyo, Nagano, Kanazawa and Osaka in 2025, I was pleasantly surprised by how much the vegan scene evolved. 

We celebrated a very special vegan birthday at the St. Regis Macau. I let them know beforehand that we prefer plant based or vegan food. We arrived to find a delicious fruit cake for our celebration in our room! What a nice touch. 

In episode 249 of the J.P. Morgan Making Sense Podcast - titled "The Four Ws Driving Food Insecurity: War, Weather, Waste and Water  the complex and devastating drivers of food insecurity are explored. 

The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green is a poignant exploration of the human experience in the context of the Anthropocene, a term that denotes the current geological epoch characterised by significant human impact on the Earth. This book which is a collection of essays adapted from his popular podcast, offers a blend of humour, personal reflection and sobering insights into the state of our planet. I've tried to pick out and look for anything particular to climate change.  

Cormac McCarthy's The Road is a haunting exploration of a post apocalyptic world, capturing the desolation of a planet ravaged by an unnamed catastrophe. The novel's sparse, poetic prose conveys a profound sense of love and resilience as a father and son journey through a dying landscape in search of hope. Their bond - tender yet strained by the brutal realities of survival - forms the emotional core of the story, raising questions about humanity's capacity to endure in the face of collapse. 

Rick's Cafe, located on Kloof street in Cape Town, is a charming eatery that offers a delightful blend of Moroccan-inspired cuisine and a cozy atmosphere. Known for its vibrant decor reminiscent of the classic film "Casablanca", this restaurant provides a unique dining experience that appeals to both locals and tourists. 

Woolworths Cafe in St Jamestown, Stellenbosch is a delightful spot for those seeking fresh, quality food in a relaxed atmosphere. Known for its commitment to sustainability and healthy eating, the cafe offers a variety of options, including some excellent vegan dishes.

Blue Kiwi Organic Market and Cafe, located in the Harbour Bay Mall near Simon's Town, is a wonderful destination for those seeking fresh, organic produce and delicious meals. This charming cafe is dedicated to supporting ethically sourced, local, and organic products, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious diners, especially those looking for vegan options.