Browse Data and Analysis

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) proposed revisions to Japan’s maximum residue levels for 11 agricultural chemicals (Ametoctradin, Amisulbrom, Flumioxazin, Flupyradifurone, Glufosinate, Mefentrifluconazole, Metaldehyde, Simeconazole, Cefuroxime, Dicloxacillin, and Amprolium) for various agricultural commodities.

FAS/Tokyo projects reduced corn imports and feed consumption in MY2022/23 due to large outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza as well as increased competition from domestic feed rice, followed by a recovery of corn consumption in MY2023/24.

Japan is one of the world’s leading consumers of seafood. In 2022, it imported $15 billion of seafood products, making it the world’s third largest importer. Half of Japan’s seafood demand is met by imports. The United States is the third largest seafood supplier to Japan, specializing in salmon, cod, pollock, herring, crab, and lobster.

On December 27, 2022, the Government of Japan (GOJ) released the “Food Security Reinforcement Policy Framework,” which aims to lower Japan's dependence on imports and to push increased domestic production of wheat, soybeans, feed grains, hay, and fertilizer inputs.

Cattle stocks decline in 2023 as farmers thin dairy herds to counter surplus production capacity. The resulting increase in domestic beef production will lower demand for imports in 2023.

U.S. beef exports to East Asia in 2022 are again on record pace after a record year in 2021. Despite economic uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, continued global supply chain challenges, and a competitive global beef market, U.S. beef exports to East Asia, both in value and volume, were outstanding in the first half of 2022.

The Japanese food market was valued at $698 billion in 2021 with retail sales accounting for $467 billion (67 percent) and foodservice sales accounting for $231 billion (33 percent). Japan relies on imports from other countries for the bulk of its food supply. The United States is the leading agricultural product supplier with a 23 percent market share in 2021.

Mandarin (Citrus unshiu) production in Japan continues to gradually decrease along with a falling number of farmers. Overall Japanese citrus consumption fell as the price of imported citrus, including oranges, grapefruit and lemons, increased due to a combination of shipping challenges, inflation, and Japanese yen depreciation.

Japan’s National Tax Agency (NTA) proposed 9 new geographical indications (GIs) for alcoholic beverages from the United Kingdom. NTA will accept public comments on the proposal through January 16, 2023.

This year ATO Osaka organized various promotional activities across western Japan, utilizing print, television, and radio media to reach 15 million consumers (excluding social media). ATO Osaka partnered with local foodservice establishments to promote U.S. beef, pork, cheese, peppers, fruits, nuts, and other ingredients via special menu promotions.

This year ATO Osaka organized USA pavilions at three trade shows in Japan. In July, the ATO exhibited for the first time at FOODEX Kansai, the western Japan version of the USDA-endorsed show held in Tokyo every March. In August, the ATO returned to the Japan International Seafood Show for the first time in three years.

The return of international visitors to Japan has started to offer glimpses of positive economic activity among the hotel and restaurant industries. Hotels experienced guest stay increases of 32.5 percent year over year, to 42.1 million, up 5.8 percent compared to October 2019.