Stay updated on the latest agricultural news in Japan, that we publish every month.
by Yuki Sano
Vulnerability of import-dependent Japan
Japan’s agriculture ministry has launched a task force to support farming and fisheries industries amid rising oil prices and concerns over material and logistics costs. The team will monitor fuel and packaging supplies, supply chains, and imports to help ensure stable food production and distribution.
Source: Japan sets up farm-supply task force amid higher oil prices
Conflict in the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are driving naphtha shortages in Japan, raising packaging costs and threatening food production. More than 40% of food-related companies report business impacts, while manufacturers face potential sales suspensions, unprinted packaging, and price hikes for food and beverages as early as this summer.
Source: Food prices in Japan set to rise as war drives up cost of plastic packaging, Japan food sector grapples with container shortage amid naphtha disruption.
Rising crude oil prices linked to Middle East conflict are increasing fuel, transport, and material costs across Japan’s agriculture and fishing sectors. Greenhouse farming, livestock transport, fishing operations, and rice production face supply shortages and mounting operating expenses, raising concerns over higher food prices, weaker profitability, and further pressure on consumers already strained by inflation.
Source: Soaring crude costs hit Japan's farmers, stoking fears of smaller harvests, High Oil Prices Hit Farmers Hard; Concerns Over Lower Yields Due to Fuel and Supply Shortages
Photo: Plastic-wrapped rice balls and prepared foods in plastic containers
Japan’s retail trends in response to inflation
Pan Pacific International Holdings, parent company of discount chain Don Quijote, has launched “Robin Hood,” a discount grocery format aimed at inflation-weary consumers. The model combines low-priced food staples with higher-margin non-food products to support profitability as competition intensifies in Japan’s supermarket sector.
Source: Don Quijote owner opens discount grocer as Japan inflation bites
Demand for underutilized fish
Underutilized fish species are gaining popularity in Japan through online platforms offering ready-to-eat products and assorted fresh fish boxes. Driven by consumer interest in sustainability, home cooking, and social media, companies are creating new demand for low-value or lesser-known domestic seafood previously overlooked in traditional markets.
Source: Underutilized fish see rising online demand in Japan