私は食物アレルギーがあります。
watashi wa shokumotsu arerugī ga arimasu.
I have a food allergy.
Open with this, then show the card for your allergen.
Tool · Travel phrases
Show-to-Staff Cards: Japanese allergy and travel phrases
Cards you hand to staff in Japan, in natural polite Japanese. Each card has furigana over the kanji, romaji to say it yourself, the English meaning and a note on when to use it. Pick the ones you need, fill in your hotel address, then show them full screen or print them at wallet size. Everything works offline.
Your deck is empty. Tap “Add to deck” on any card to start. A few useful ones are suggested below.
Allergies & diets
Show these before you order. Staff often take the card to the kitchen.
Allergies: start here
少量でも重い症状が出ます。
shōryō demo omoi shōjō ga demasu.
Even a small amount causes a serious reaction.
Tells the kitchen this is a medical allergy, not a preference.
同じ油で揚げたものも食べられません。
onaji abura de ageta mono mo taberaremasen.
I also cannot eat food fried in the same oil.
For tempura and katsu shops, where one fryer is shared.
原材料を確認していただけますか？
genzairyō o kakunin shite itadakemasu ka?
Could you check the ingredients for me?
Ask for packaged food, sweets and set meals.
私が食べられる料理はどれですか？
watashi ga taberareru ryōri wa dore desu ka?
Which dishes can I eat?
Use after the allergy card so staff can point at the menu.
しょうゆにも小麦が入っているので、しょうゆも食べられません。
shōyu ni mo komugi ga haitte iru node, shōyu mo taberaremasen.
Soy sauce contains wheat, so I cannot have soy sauce either.
For wheat allergy or coeliac disease. Most Japanese soy sauce is brewed with wheat.
Allergens: mandatory labelling (9)
えびのアレルギーがあります。えびが入っている料理は食べられません。
ebi no arerugī ga arimasu. ebi ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to shrimp / prawn. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Also check for shrimp in dashi, senbei crackers and okonomiyaki toppings.
カシューナッツのアレルギーがあります。カシューナッツが入っている料理は食べられません。
kashū nattsu no arerugī ga arimasu. kashū nattsu ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to cashew nuts. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Made mandatory from 1 April 2026 with a two-year transition, so older packaging may not list it.
かにのアレルギーがあります。かにが入っている料理は食べられません。
kani no arerugī ga arimasu. kani ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to crab. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
くるみのアレルギーがあります。くるみが入っている料理は食べられません。
kurumi no arerugī ga arimasu. kurumi ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to walnut. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
小麦のアレルギーがあります。小麦が入っている料理は食べられません。
komugi no arerugī ga arimasu. komugi ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to wheat. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Most soy sauce contains wheat. Add the soy-sauce card below.
そばのアレルギーがあります。そばが入っている料理は食べられません。
soba no arerugī ga arimasu. soba ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to buckwheat (soba). I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Udon is sometimes boiled in the same water as soba, so ask about shared pots.
卵のアレルギーがあります。卵が入っている料理は食べられません。
tamago no arerugī ga arimasu. tamago ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to egg. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
牛乳・乳製品のアレルギーがあります。牛乳・乳製品が入っている料理は食べられません。
gyūnyū nyūseihin no arerugī ga arimasu. gyūnyū nyūseihin ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to milk and dairy. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
落花生（ピーナッツ）のアレルギーがあります。ピーナッツが入っている料理は食べられません。
rakkasei (pīnattsu) no arerugī ga arimasu. pīnattsu ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to peanut. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
Allergens: recommended labelling (20)
アーモンドのアレルギーがあります。アーモンドが入っている料理は食べられません。
āmondo no arerugī ga arimasu. āmondo ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to almond. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
あわびのアレルギーがあります。あわびが入っている料理は食べられません。
awabi no arerugī ga arimasu. awabi ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to abalone. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
いかのアレルギーがあります。いかが入っている料理は食べられません。
ika no arerugī ga arimasu. ika ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to squid. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
いくらのアレルギーがあります。いくらが入っている料理は食べられません。
ikura no arerugī ga arimasu. ikura ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to salmon roe (ikura). I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
オレンジのアレルギーがあります。オレンジが入っている料理は食べられません。
orenji no arerugī ga arimasu. orenji ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to orange. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
キウイフルーツのアレルギーがあります。キウイフルーツが入っている料理は食べられません。
kiui furūtsu no arerugī ga arimasu. kiui furūtsu ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to kiwi fruit. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
牛肉のアレルギーがあります。牛肉が入っている料理は食べられません。
gyūniku no arerugī ga arimasu. gyūniku ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to beef. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
ごまのアレルギーがあります。ごまが入っている料理は食べられません。
goma no arerugī ga arimasu. goma ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to sesame. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
鮭のアレルギーがあります。鮭が入っている料理は食べられません。
sake no arerugī ga arimasu. sake ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to salmon. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Written 鮭 (salmon) so it cannot be confused with 酒 (sake, alcohol).
さばのアレルギーがあります。さばが入っている料理は食べられません。
saba no arerugī ga arimasu. saba ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to mackerel. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
大豆のアレルギーがあります。大豆が入っている料理は食べられません。
daizu no arerugī ga arimasu. daizu ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to soybean. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Soy sauce, miso, tofu and edamame are all soy.
鶏肉のアレルギーがあります。鶏肉が入っている料理は食べられません。
toriniku no arerugī ga arimasu. toriniku ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to chicken. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
バナナのアレルギーがあります。バナナが入っている料理は食べられません。
banana no arerugī ga arimasu. banana ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to banana. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
ピスタチオのアレルギーがあります。ピスタチオが入っている料理は食べられません。
pisutachio no arerugī ga arimasu. pisutachio ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to pistachio. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Added to the recommended list on 1 April 2026.
豚肉のアレルギーがあります。豚肉が入っている料理は食べられません。
butaniku no arerugī ga arimasu. butaniku ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to pork. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
マカダミアナッツのアレルギーがあります。マカダミアナッツが入っている料理は食べられません。
makadamianattsu no arerugī ga arimasu. makadamianattsu ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to macadamia nuts. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
桃のアレルギーがあります。桃が入っている料理は食べられません。
momo no arerugī ga arimasu. momo ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to peach. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
山芋のアレルギーがあります。山芋が入っている料理は食べられません。
yamaimo no arerugī ga arimasu. yamaimo ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to yam (yamaimo). I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Includes nagaimo, often grated raw as tororo.
りんごのアレルギーがあります。りんごが入っている料理は食べられません。
ringo no arerugī ga arimasu. ringo ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to apple. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
ゼラチンのアレルギーがあります。ゼラチンが入っている料理は食べられません。
zerachin no arerugī ga arimasu. zerachin ga haitte iru ryōri wa taberaremasen.
I am allergic to gelatin. I cannot eat any dish that contains it.
Show before ordering. Add the “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” cards for a severe allergy.
Diets
私はベジタリアンです。肉と魚は食べられません。かつおだしなどの魚のだしも食べられません。
watashi wa bejitarian desu. niku to sakana wa taberaremasen. katsuo dashi nado no sakana no dashi mo taberaremasen.
I am vegetarian. I do not eat meat or fish. I also cannot have fish stock such as katsuo dashi.
Most soups, noodle broths and simmered dishes use fish stock, so the second line matters.
卵と乳製品は大丈夫です。
tamago to nyūseihin wa daijōbu desu.
Eggs and dairy are fine.
For lacto-ovo vegetarians: opens up far more dishes.
私はヴィーガンです。肉、魚、卵、乳製品、はちみつは食べられません。魚のだしも食べられません。
watashi wa vīgan desu. niku, sakana, tamago, nyūseihin, hachimitsu wa taberaremasen. sakana no dashi mo taberaremasen.
I am vegan. I do not eat meat, fish, eggs, dairy or honey. I also cannot have fish stock.
Shojin ryori (Buddhist temple food) is usually vegan; ask anyway.
私はムスリムです。豚肉、ラードなどの豚由来の材料、アルコール（みりんや料理酒を含む）は食べられません。
watashi wa musurimu desu. butaniku, rādo nado no buta yurai no zairyō, arukōru (mirin ya ryōrishu o fukumu) wa taberaremasen.
I am Muslim. I cannot eat pork, pork-derived ingredients such as lard, or alcohol (including mirin and cooking sake).
Restaurants rarely know whether meat is halal-certified; look for certified places for meat dishes.
豚肉は食べられません。ラードなどの豚由来の材料も食べられません。
butaniku wa taberaremasen. rādo nado no buta yurai no zairyō mo taberaremasen.
I do not eat pork, including pork-derived ingredients such as lard.
Ramen broth, gyoza and many curries contain pork.
アルコールは飲めません。みりんや料理酒が入った料理も食べられません。
arukōru wa nomemasen. mirin ya ryōrishu ga haitta ryōri mo taberaremasen.
I do not drink alcohol. I also cannot have dishes made with mirin or cooking sake.
Mirin and sake are common in sauces, glazes and simmered dishes.
セリアック病のため、小麦、大麦、ライ麦が食べられません。
seriakkubyō no tame, komugi, ōmugi, raimugi ga taberaremasen.
I have coeliac disease, so I cannot eat wheat, barley or rye.
Add the soy-sauce card. Barley tea (mugicha) is often served free.
ノンアルコールの飲み物はありますか？
nonarukōru no nomimono wa arimasu ka?
Do you have any non-alcoholic drinks?
Useful at izakaya, where the first order is usually a drink.
Taxi
Type your address once; show it to the driver.
この住所までお願いします。
kono jūsho made onegai shimasu.
To this address, please.
Type or paste your hotel’s address in Japanese once. It is saved on this device and shown under the phrase.
ここで止めてください。
koko de tomete kudasai.
Please stop here.
When you can see your stop.
カードで払えますか？
kādo de haraemasu ka?
Can I pay by card?
Ask before the ride: most city taxis take cards, some small ones do not.
交通系ICカードは使えますか？
kōtsūkei IC kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?
Can I pay with a transport IC card (such as Suica)?
Suica, PASMO, ICOCA and similar cards.
領収書をお願いします。
ryōshūsho o onegai shimasu.
A receipt, please.
Drivers print one on request.
トランクを開けていただけますか？
toranku o akete itadakemasu ka?
Could you open the trunk, please?
For suitcases. Taxi doors open and close automatically; the trunk does not.
Luggage & hotel
Front desk requests: storing and forwarding bags, taxis, Wi-Fi.
荷物を預かっていただけますか？
nimotsu o azukatte itadakemasu ka?
Could you keep my luggage for me?
Before check-in or after check-out. Most hotels do this free for guests.
チェックアウトの後も荷物を預かっていただけますか？
chekku auto no ato mo nimotsu o azukatte itadakemasu ka?
Could you keep my luggage after check-out?
For a late flight or train.
この荷物を空港に送りたいです。
kono nimotsu o kūkō ni okuritai desu.
I would like to send this luggage to the airport.
Luggage forwarding (takkyubin) usually needs one to two days. Ask when it will arrive and where to collect it.
この荷物を次のホテルに送りたいです。
kono nimotsu o tsugi no hoteru ni okuritai desu.
I would like to send this luggage to the next hotel.
Add the next hotel’s name and address. Check that it can accept a parcel before you arrive.
早めにチェックインできますか？
hayame ni chekkuin dekimasu ka?
Can I check in early?
Early check-in is often a paid extra.
タクシーを呼んでいただけますか？
takushī o yonde itadakemasu ka?
Could you call a taxi for me?
Useful early in the morning for airport runs.
Wi-Fiのパスワードを教えていただけますか？
Wi-Fi no pasuwādo o oshiete itadakemasu ka?
Could you tell me the Wi-Fi password?
Usually also printed on a card in the room.
近くにコインロッカーはありますか？
chikaku ni koinrokkā wa arimasu ka?
Are there coin lockers nearby?
Large lockers at big stations fill up by late morning.
Tax-free shopping
For the till under the refund system that starts on 1 November 2026.
免税で購入できますか？
menzei de kōnyū dekimasu ka?
Can I buy this tax-free?
Ask before you pay. From 1 Nov 2026 you pay the full price and the tax is refunded after the customs step at departure.
パスポートはこちらです。
pasupōto wa kochira desu.
Here is my passport.
Shops must see the real passport; a photo is not accepted.
消費税の返金は、どのように受け取れますか？
shōhi zei no henkin wa, dono yō ni uketoremasu ka?
How will I receive the tax refund?
Each shop or its refund provider decides: card, bank transfer, app or cash at the airport.
返金に手数料はかかりますか？
henkin ni tesūryō wa kakarimasu ka?
Is there a fee for the refund?
Official pages set no fee; some refund providers deduct one. Log it in the tax-free wallet.
返金はいつ受け取れますか？
henkin wa itsu uketoremasu ka?
When will the refund be paid?
There is no official payout deadline. Note what the shop tells you.
税関の免税手続きはどこでできますか？
zeikan no menzei tetsuzuki wa doko de dekimasu ka?
Where can I do the customs tax-free procedure?
At the airport, before you check any bags. Use this with airport staff.
Pharmacy & medical
Pharmacy questions and getting help. In an emergency, call 119.
この薬はありますか？
kono kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Do you have this medicine?
Show the box or a photo of the active ingredient. Brand names differ in Japan.
頭痛の薬はありますか？
zutsū no kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Do you have medicine for a headache?
Pharmacists can explain which products are suitable.
風邪薬はありますか？
kazegusuri wa arimasu ka?
Do you have cold medicine?
Some cold medicines sold in Japan contain ingredients restricted elsewhere; check before you take them home.
胃腸の薬はありますか？
ichō no kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Do you have medicine for an upset stomach?
For stomach ache or indigestion.
熱を下げる薬はありますか？
netsu o sageru kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Do you have medicine to bring down a fever?
Mention any medicine allergy at the same time.
ペニシリンのアレルギーがあります。
penishirin no arerugī ga arimasu.
I am allergic to penicillin.
Show to any doctor or pharmacist.
この薬を飲んでいます。
kono kusuri o nonde imasu.
I am taking this medicine.
Show with your prescription or the packet.
エピペンを持っています。
epipen o motte imasu.
I carry an EpiPen.
EpiPen is the brand name used in Japan too. Show where you keep it.
糖尿病があります。
tōnyōbyō ga arimasu.
I have diabetes.
Show to doctors, pharmacists or first-aid staff.
妊娠しています。
ninshin shite imasu.
I am pregnant.
Show before buying any medicine.
ここが痛いです。
koko ga itai desu.
It hurts here.
Point to where it hurts.
近くの病院を教えていただけますか？
chikaku no byōin o oshiete itadakemasu ka?
Could you tell me where the nearest hospital is?
For urgent but not life-threatening problems.
英語を話せるお医者さんはいますか？
eigo o hanaseru oishasan wa imasu ka?
Is there a doctor who speaks English?
JNTO and local tourist offices list hospitals with English support.
救急車を呼んでください。
kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai.
Please call an ambulance.
Ambulance and fire: 119. Police: 110. Both are free from any phone.
Restaurants
Booking by phone, seating, paying.
このお店に電話で予約していただけますか？
Allergens in your deck are added to the card automatically.
kono omise ni denwa de yoyaku shite itadakemasu ka?
Could you call this restaurant and make a reservation for me?
Show to your hotel’s front desk or concierge. The booking details you enter appear on the card in Japanese.
Phone script (read aloud)
もしもし。予約をお願いしたいのですが。
moshimoshi. yoyaku o onegai shitai no desu ga.
Hello. I would like to make a reservation.
Line 1 of the call. Read the romaji aloud.
下の日時と人数でお願いします。
Fill in the booking on the “call this restaurant” card above to complete this line.
shita no nichiji to ninzū de onegai shimasu.
For the date, time and number of people below, please.
Line 2. Fill in the booking details; the card then shows the date, time and party size in Japanese with romaji to read out.
日本語があまり話せないので、ゆっくり話していただけますか？
nihongo ga amari hanasenai node, yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka?
I do not speak much Japanese, so could you speak slowly?
Line 3. Many restaurants will switch to simple Japanese or English.
禁煙席をお願いします。
kin'en seki o onegai shimasu.
A non-smoking seat, please.
Most restaurants are non-smoking by law since 2020, but some bars and izakaya still have smoking areas.
英語のメニューはありますか？
eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka?
Do you have an English menu?
Ask when you sit down.
おすすめは何ですか？
osusume wa nan desu ka?
What do you recommend?
A good way to find the house speciality.
お水をお願いします。
omizu o onegai shimasu.
Water, please.
Tap water is free and safe.
お会計をお願いします。
okaikei o onegai shimasu.
The bill, please.
You usually pay at the register by the door, not at the table.
お会計は別々にお願いします。
okaikei wa betsubetsu ni onegai shimasu.
Separate bills, please.
Ask before ordering if you can; some places only do one bill per table.
カードは使えますか？
kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?
Can I pay by card?
Smaller restaurants may be cash only.
How to use the cards
- Pick your cards. Browse the categories and tap “Add to deck” on each card you need. Your deck is saved on this device.
- Fill in your details. Type your hotel address on the taxi card and your booking on the restaurant card. They appear in Japanese on the card.
- Show it. Open “Show my deck”. The card fills the screen in large type and the screen stays on while you show it.
- Print or share. Print wallet-size cards or save a PDF, or copy a share link with the same cards for your travel companions.
Going to Japan soon? The trip planner puts every ticket release and setup task in your calendar, and the tax-free wallet tracks your refunds under the new rules. To read any other Japanese text with furigana, use the furigana converter.
Japan’s official allergen list (April 2026)
Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (消費者庁) sets which allergens must be labelled on packaged food. From 1 April 2026 there are 9 mandatory items (特定原材料) and 20 recommended items (特定原材料に準ずるもの). Cashew nuts moved to the mandatory list on that date, with a two-year transition, and pistachio was added to the recommended list. These rules cover packaged food, not restaurant dishes, which is why asking staff matters.
| Labelling | Allergens (Japanese name) |
|---|---|
| Mandatory (9) | Shrimp / prawn (えび), Cashew nuts (カシューナッツ), Crab (かに), Walnut (くるみ), Wheat (小麦), Buckwheat (soba) (そば), Egg (卵), Milk and dairy (牛乳・乳製品), Peanut (落花生（ピーナッツ）) |
| Recommended (20) | Almond (アーモンド), Abalone (あわび), Squid (いか), Salmon roe (ikura) (いくら), Orange (オレンジ), Kiwi fruit (キウイフルーツ), Beef (牛肉), Sesame (ごま), Salmon (鮭), Mackerel (さば), Soybean (大豆), Chicken (鶏肉), Banana (バナナ), Pistachio (ピスタチオ), Pork (豚肉), Macadamia nuts (マカダミアナッツ), Peach (桃), Yam (yamaimo) (山芋), Apple (りんご), Gelatin (ゼラチン) |
Where allergens hide in Japanese food
- Soy sauce is usually brewed with wheat and soybeans, so it matters for wheat, soy and coeliac diets.
- Dashi (stock) is usually made from bonito (fish) and kelp, and is in miso soup, noodle broths and simmered dishes. Vegetarian and vegan cards say so.
- Mirin and cooking sake contain alcohol and are common in glazes and sauces.
- Shared fryers and pots: tempura and katsu often share oil; udon is sometimes boiled in the same water as soba.
Frequently asked questions
Will an allergy card make restaurant food safe?
No. A card helps you explain your allergy clearly, and staff often take it to the kitchen, but it cannot guarantee anything. Japan’s allergen labelling rules apply to packaged food, not to restaurant dishes, and kitchens may not know every ingredient in bought-in sauces or stock. Cross-contact can happen in shared fryers and pots. If your allergy is severe, carry your medication, keep the card short and clear, and decide for yourself whether to eat.
Which allergens are covered?
All 29 on the Consumer Affairs Agency list in force from 1 April 2026: the 9 that must be labelled on packaged food (shrimp / prawn, cashew nuts, crab, walnut, wheat, buckwheat (soba), egg, milk and dairy, peanut) and the 20 where labelling is recommended (almond, abalone, squid, salmon roe (ikura), orange, kiwi fruit, beef, sesame, salmon, mackerel, soybean, chicken, banana, pistachio, pork, macadamia nuts, peach, yam (yamaimo), apple, gelatin). Cashew nuts moved to the mandatory list on 1 April 2026 with a two-year transition, so some packaging may not show them yet.
How do I use the cards in a restaurant?
Open your deck in show mode before you order and hand the phone to a member of staff, or give them a printed card. Start with “I have a food allergy”, then the card for your allergen, then “even a small amount” and “dashi and seasonings” if they apply. Keep the screen steady and let them read; many will take it to the kitchen.
Do the cards work without internet?
Yes. After your first visit the page and your deck are stored by your browser, so they open offline, for example in a restaurant basement with no signal. You can also add the page to your home screen. The furigana is built into the page, so no dictionary download is needed.
How do I print wallet-size cards?
Add the cards you want to your deck, then choose “Print wallet cards”. Each card prints at credit-card size (85 × 54 mm) with cut lines, in black on white. Choose “Save as PDF” in the print dialog to keep a copy on your phone.
Is my address or booking shared with anyone?
No. Your deck, the address you type and any booking details are saved only in this browser on this device. A share link contains just the list of card IDs, never your address or bookings.
Why is the Japanese written with furigana and romaji?
Furigana (small kana over the kanji) makes the card easy to read for anyone, including younger staff. Romaji lets you say the phrase yourself, for example the restaurant phone script.
Who checked the Japanese?
Every phrase is plain, polite standard Japanese. We kept the wording short on purpose and checked each reading by hand against the dictionary output. If you spot anything that sounds unnatural, please tell us through the contact page and we will fix it.
Sources
Allergen list checked against the Consumer Affairs Agency on 23 October 2026.
- Consumer Affairs Agency (消費者庁): Food allergy labelling (食物アレルギー表示に関する情報)
Allergen list as of April 2026: 9 mandatory (特定原材料) and 20 recommended (特定原材料に準ずるもの). - Consumer Affairs Agency (消費者庁): アレルギー表示について (allergen list figure, April 2026, PDF)
- Consumer Affairs Agency (消費者庁): Notice of 1 April 2026: cashew nuts added as mandatory, pistachio added as recommended (PDF)
Cashew labelling has a two-year transition period, so some packaged food may not list it yet.
General information to help you communicate, not medical advice. JapanBenri is not affiliated with any government agency.