Photo/Illutration A hamburger with a plant-based patty served at a restaurant in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Author Kenji Miyazawa (1896-1933) became a vegetarian out of respect for the lives of animals.

In his children's story "Bijiterian Taisai" (Great vegetarian festival), Miyazawa uses the term "dojo-ha" (sympathizers) for people who embrace vegetarianism. He explains, "You feel deep pity for the animals that get eaten, if you really try to put yourself in their shoes. ..."

And according to Miyazawa, there also are health-conscious vegetarians who can be called "yobo-ha" (preventers). These people believe in preventing disease by abstaining from animal protein.

Today, perhaps another category of vegetarians should be added--"kankyo-ha" (environmentalists).

I understand that plant-based meat substitutes are becoming popular in the United States.

Beyond Meat Inc., a Los Angeles-based producer of plant-based burger patties, posted a high stock price upon its stock market debut in May.

The popularity of its products is attributed mainly to environmental problems--global warming in particular.

According to a major U.S. daily, a study shows that 14 percent of greenhouse gases produced by humans have to do with cattle farming--namely, the destruction of forests to create cattle ranches, as well as belching by the animals.

Not surprisingly, such findings have turned people's eyes to hamburgers, arguably America's "national food."

U.S. President Donald Trump on Nov. 4 notified the United Nations of his administration's plans to officially withdraw from the Paris climate accord next autumn. But according to a recent opinion poll, about 60 percent of Americans oppose this move, which suggests that the public at large is deeply concerned about global warming.

Perhaps the popularity of plant-based meat substitutes reflects this social climate.

A recent Tokyo evening edition of The Asahi Shimbun reported that stores have started selling such new, plant-based products.

Perhaps we can sample them while we contemplate various issues ranging from bioethics to the global environment.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Nov. 7

* * *

Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.