matoil and MIMARU launch distribution of the “FOOD SAFE PASS”
for inbound travelers to Japan with food allergies and dietary restrictions.
– On March 17 (SDGs Day※): Reducing concerns about language and rules, and aiming for barrier-free dining for all –
Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd., which operates the apartment hotel brand “MIMARU,” has partnered with “matoil,” a food allergy support service by Kyocera Corporation, to introduce a new initiative in celebration of SDGs Day on March 17.
Through this initiative, MIMARU aims to support travelers with food allergies and dietary restrictions—and their families—so they can enjoy meals with greater peace of mind during their stay.
At MIMARU, where approximately 90% of guests are inbound family travelers, we have previously offered a service allowing guests to have matoil meals delivered directly to their rooms. Building on this initiative, we will begin distributing the “FOOD SAFE PASS” at MIMARU locations.
The “FOOD SAFE PASS” is a card featuring a QR code that links to the matoil website, where newly added content provides information on Japan’s food labeling system and addresses common concerns.
On the reverse side, the card includes an allergen checklist that allows guests to communicate their dietary restrictions at restaurants and other dining venues, helping to provide peace of mind when dining despite language barriers.
matoil Allergy Information page https://online.matoil.jp/pages/triptips
■ Key Points of This Release
[Survey]
45% of respondents have given up traveling due to dietary restrictions. The main reasons cited were unresolved concerns, as well as differences in language and food labeling rules.
[Initiative]
A dedicated page has been created on the matoil website to provide inbound travelers to Japan with information on Japan’s food labeling system and important points to consider when dining out. In addition, the “FOOD SAFE PASS” card will be distributed at MIMARU locations to share this information.
[Objective]
Through collaboration between MIMARU and matoil, this initiative aims to help prevent accidental consumption caused by language and labeling barriers, and to create a more inclusive, barrier-free food environment where everyone can enjoy meals with peace of mind.
■ Background: “Food” as a reason for giving up travel — the barriers of language and labeling faced by inbound travelers to Japan
Concerns about food can lead people to hesitate—or even give up—on traveling altogether.
According to a survey conducted by matoil on travel trends among families with food allergies, 45% of respondents said they had given up traveling due to dietary restrictions caused by food allergies and related conditions.
The top reasons for giving up overseas travel were tied for first place: “concerns could not be resolved” (78% of respondents) and “differences in language and food labeling rules” (78%). These results highlight the challenges travelers face in confidently dining out and selecting food while abroad.
At MIMARU, a service that allows guests to have matoil meals tailored to their dietary restrictions delivered directly to their rooms was introduced in November 2024. Since then, the service has been used by overseas guests around one to two times per month, and positive feedback has been received, including comments such as, “Thanks to matoil, we were able to travel with peace of mind.”
In addition, when asked about key factors in choosing a travel destination, the top response was “ease of accommodating food allergies and dietary restrictions” (58%). This highlights that, for families with dietary restrictions, the priority is not “where they want to go,” but rather “where they can eat safely.”
This raised an important question: could the same peace of mind be provided not only within the hotel, but also at restaurants and shops throughout the city? With this in mind, we have launched a new initiative.
How to Use matoil at MIMARU：https://mimaruhotels.com/news/matoil-2/
Meal Delivery Service Introduction Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV7XtxYk-t8/?igsh=MXRwcXc0cnA4MXJkcw==
●45% of travelers have given up trips due to dietary restrictions.
●Top reasons for giving up overseas travel were “concerns could not be resolved” and “differences in language and food labeling rules” (78% of respondents)
●The top factor in choosing a travel destination was “ease of accommodating food allergies and dietary restrictions” (58%)
“Survey on travel trends among families with food allergies and dietary restrictions”
[Survey Overview]
Survey Title: Survey on travel trends among families with food allergies and dietary restrictions
Conducted by: matoil (Kyocera Corporation)
Target Respondents: Individuals with food allergies and dietary restrictions
Number of Valid Responses: 60
Survey Period: October 1, 2025 – November 6, 2025
Methodology: Anonymous online survey
Citation:
When using the text, data, or images from this article, please credit the following source:
matoil, “Survey on travel trends among families with food allergies and dietary restrictions”
■Collaboration between the two companies: From “Peace of Mind in the Room” to “Peace of Mind Throughout the Journey”
MIMARU has always aimed to be a place where everyone can stay with peace of mind. We have worked to meet the diverse needs of families, including guests with disabilities, children requiring medical care, and those seeking halal-friendly options.
In addition to people-centered services—such as providing halal amenities and offering restaurant recommendations through our multilingual staff—we have partnered with matoil, a food allergy support service that helps make everyone’s “I want to eat” possible.
Through this collaboration, we have provided in-room dining support, allowing guests to receive meals tailored to their dietary needs from matoil and store them in the refrigerator or freezer in their room.
In line with SDGs Day on March 17, we are expanding this sense of peace of mind from the guest room to the entire travel experience.
To support guests who may face challenges when ordering at restaurants or choosing food, we have created a dedicated allergy information page on the matoil website. This page provides guidance on Japan’s food labeling system and key points to consider when dining out.
In addition, we will begin distributing the “FOOD SAFE PASS” at MIMARU locations. This card includes an allergen checklist as well as a QR code linking to the matoil website. By helping guests overcome language barriers and reduce the risk of accidental consumption, we hope the card will serve as a reassuring companion—like a “Lucky charm”—throughout their journey.
Together with the support of MIMARU’s multilingual staff, this initiative aims to empower guests to explore the city with confidence and truly enjoy dining as part of their travel experience.
■“matoil” Overview 
Location: 1F, 4-15-12 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Service Description:
“matoil” is a food allergy support service currently undergoing business validation, launched through Kyocera’s new business idea startup program. The service prepares meals tailored to individual allergies and dietary preferences, and delivers them from the integrated kitchen studio “matoil factory,” located in Kamikitazawa, Setagaya, Tokyo, to destinations such as school trips and family travel destinations.
Official Website: https://www.matoil.jp/
※Translated by MIMARU, this Theme Day is designated by the Japan PR Research Institute and aims to encourage everyone to come together to reflect on SDG-related issues.