Gluten Free in Japan?

[paintedpale6528]

Hey!
About a year ago I found out I was allergic to gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) and my diet had to change tremendously.
I'm also on a strict Dairy free diet, I can't even have butter! I get super sick, it's really annoying.

So I was wondering what the restaurant and supermarket situation was like in Japan? Like, is a visit there even possible for me right now?
I know here in the U.S it's pretty hit or miss. My hometown is really aware of the growing Gluten free diet and there are plenty of places for me to pick up a snack that I'm sure wont make me sick. But where I'm living right now is kinda... still... not really up to date on the whole thing.

I'm pretty used to not being able to eat out at restaurants but I'm also wondering how well the food is labeled in stores and stuff, and how common allergen-free stores are. Stuff like that.

If anyone can give me an idea of what being gluten/dairy free in Japan is like I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!~

[Belton]

Can't say I have much knowledge in this area, my approach to shopping was always this looks interesting rather than what's it made of.
Avoiding dairy might be easier than avoiding gluten, especially soy.
However, there is an abundance of restaurants in Japan and customer service is excellent so it would seem possible although obviously would need planning and research.
I've also stayed in business hotels with cooking facilities in the room, (Tokyo Inn, I think) so you could also shop for fresh ingredients and have DIY meals.

I think it would be known as 小麦アレルギー or 麦アレルギー rather than グルテンアレルギー

I did a google search for you, you might be able to do a more focused search.
These might have starting points for you

http://rainyrice.blogspot.com/search/label/Japan
http://from-japan-with-love.blogspot.co ... ee-in.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/forum/querea ... ml?1+14497

the advice for cook-it-yourself style eating in the last entry here seems especially good. Korean BBQ is very popular, there are other styles all with fresh ingredients so you know what you're getting, as long as meat isn't marinated in a soy based sauce.