Reader C.O. is coming to Japan on vacation and contacted Lifelines for information about coping with food allergies here. She had read an opinion piece by another foreign national published by The Japan Times in 2015.

C.O. writes: "Have you noticed any shift, even if it's small, since this article was written, to help allergy sufferers know what they can eat in Japan, either in grocery stores or at restaurants? What would you recommend to someone who will be visiting Japan and doesn't have a kitchen to go home to?"

As a vegetarian myself, I feel the reader's pain. Even though I speak and read Japanese, appearances can be deceiving, and many products that might seem vegetarian-friendly contain meat or fish. However, when eating the wrong food could seriously affect your health — or even cost you your life — it takes things to a whole new level.