Japan News Update #67 (Oct 2025)

Movement of US potatoes in Japan

A U.S. potato industry delegation met USDA officials in Tokyo to push for fresh potato market access in Japan - potentially worth US$150 million annually. The visit, led by USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg, was hindered by the U.S. government shutdown, highlighting its impact on growers and trade negotiations.

Source: U.S. potato delegation pushes for fresh access to Japan

1st bird flu in Japan

Japan confirmed its first bird flu case of the season at a poultry farm in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, prompting the culling of 459,000 hens and transport bans affecting 620,000 more. Officials warned of nationwide risks and called for strict containment measures, with restrictions expected to continue through late November.

Source: Bird flu season begins in Japan with infection confirmed at Hokkaido farm

Cutting-edge agricultural event

Agriculture Week, Asia’s largest agricultural and livestock exhibition, was held at Makuhari Messe from Oct. 1–3, showcasing 1,000 companies offering drones, robots, fertilizers, and decarbonization solutions. Industry professionals gathered for business talks, expert lectures, and demonstrations addressing rising costs, labor shortages, and sustainability challenges.

Source: Asia's largest comprehensive exhibition "Agriculture Week" was held from October 1st

Japan's current food trend

Japan generates about 4.64 million tons of food loss and waste annually, equivalent to one rice ball per person per day. To address this, the government enforces the 2019 Food Loss and Waste Reduction Act, promotes awareness through national campaigns and Expo events, and encourages recycling, donations, and mindful consumption aligned with SDGs.

Source: Saving Precious Food from Going to Waste: Japan’s Initiatives to Reduce Food Loss and Waste

Japan’s calorie-based food self-sufficiency rate remained at 38% in fiscal 2024, well below the 2030 target of 45%, as bad weather reduced wheat and soybean output despite higher rice consumption. However, the production-value self-sufficiency rate rose to 64% due to stronger domestic crop prices.

Source: Japan's food self-sufficiency rate remains at 38% for 4th straight year, Japan's food self-sufficiency rate remains at 38%, Japan's food self-sufficiency stuck at 38% in FY24/25, below 2030 goal

Japanese retailers are boosting profits through price hikes on food and daily necessities, but stagnant real wages are forcing consumers to cut back. While heat-driven demand and wealthier shoppers lifted some sales, most households are buying fewer items and shifting to cheaper stores, raising concerns about future consumption if inflation outpaces wage growth.

Source: Japan's retailers see profit jump amid price squeeze on consumers