FOREIGN NEWS

@ Halal | January-February. 2026

The launch of GO TOKYO Gourmet, a new digital platform by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, reflects growing efforts to make Tokyo’ s food culture more accessible, including to visitors seeking halal-friendly dining options.

Positioned as a curated guide rather than a conventional food directory, GO TOKYO Gourmet explores Tokyo’ s culinary identity through articles and videos that highlight both tradition and modern dining practices.

Classic dishes rooted in the Edo period, such as sushi, tempura, soba and grilled eel, are presented alongside contemporary food culture, offering insight into how the city’ s cuisine has evolved. Importantly, the platform goes a

THE global beauty and cosmetics industry has seen remarkable growth over the past decade. Driven by evolving consumer preferences, the rise of e-commerce, and increasing demand for ethically produced products, the industry is at the forefront.

As consumers become more conscious of ingredient sourcing and production practices, halal

step further by addressing how diverse dietary needs fit into this landscape.

For Muslim travellers, the site provides practical information on halal-friendly restaurants and dining services across Tokyo.

Users can access links to reservation platforms that allow filtering by halal requirements, helping simplify meal planning in a city known for its sheer abundance of choices. This inclusion reflects broader efforts within Tokyo’ s tourism sector to create a more welcoming environment for Muslim travellers.

Beyond restaurant listings, GO TOKYO Gourmet also offers guidance on how to enjoy Japanese food in culturally appropriate ways. Information on dining etiquette,

HALAL AND BEAUTY: Toyoly’ s R & D Laboratories develop advanced and halal-certified formulations for modern beauty needs.

certification has emerged as a critical factor for brands seeking to appeal to Muslim-majority markets, specifically in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Toyoly, a seasoned cosmetics manufacturer with over 25 years of experience, is stepping into this landscape as a strategic partner for brands looking to expand globally service customs, and food-related manners helps visitors better understand the social aspects of eating in Japan, reducing uncertainty for first-time travellers. These insights contribute to more comfortable and respectful dining experiences.

The platform also highlights popular food experiences among travellers, from ramen and rice balls to convenience-store offerings and vending machine culture.

By including these familiar and accessible foods alongside fine dining and traditional cuisine, the site presents a more realistic picture of how people eat in the city, while acknowledging the growing availability of halal and dietary-friendly options even in casual settings.

while meeting these standards.

Toyoly declared its official launch as a full-service OEM / ODM partner for cosmetics and personal care companies in the wider international market. The company’ s end-to-end capabilities span skincare, makeup, and personal care, allowing brands to launch cohesive product lines without managing multiple suppliers.

Central to Toyoly’ s offering is its halal certification, which ensures that all ingredients, formulations, and production processes adhere to strict Islamic guidelines. This certification not only allows brands to access new markets but also signals ethical, culturally aware production practices, qualities increasingly valued and scrutinised by consumers worldwide.

Alongside halal compliance, Toyoly supports brand owners with custom formulations, rapid sampling, packaging solutions, and regulatory guidance. Its integrated R & D laboratories and quality control systems maintain product consistency, helping both emerging and established brands navigate fastchanging beauty trends efficiently.

Tom Yezzi

NU-TEK BioSciences, a Minnetonka-based leader in animal-origin-free( AOF) peptones and yeast extracts, has renewed its halal certification through The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America( IFANCA).

The move ensures the company’ s products continue to meet the growing demand for ethically sourced ingredients in biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, and industrial fermentation industries.

Halal certification is increasingly vital for markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, which are implementing stricter standards for 2026. By maintaining these credentials, Nu-Tek not only meets technical requirements but also aligns with the cultural and ethical expectations of global partners.

CEO Tom Yezzi emphasised the company’ s dual focus on science and market needs, saying:“ Our goal is to provide highquality, animal-free materials that comply with both regulatory and cultural standards. This certification helps us support biopharmaceutical hubs around the world.”

Alongside its kosher and organic certifications and its proprietary Variability Reduction Programme, Nu-Tek continues to provide reliable raw materials solutions for the biopharmaceutical industry.-