Japan News Update #55 (November 2023)
Stay updated on the latest agricultural news in Japan, that we publish every month.
by Yuki Sano
Sustainability efforts in seafood
Japan's seafood company Maruha Nichiro aims to commercialize cultured fish meat produced from fish cells by fiscal year 2027. Collaborating with Singapore startup Umami Bioworks, they plan to create fish paste products using low-cost production technology. The move responds to concerns about depleting marine resources amid a growing global population. The companies intend to offer cost-effective products, although launch timing depends on regulatory clearances in each country.
Source: Japan-Singapore team aims to bring lab-cultured fish to tables in 2027
A municipality in Miyagi Prefecture, Minamisanriku, aims to be Japan's first to certify its oyster farming as contributing to the blue carbon ecosystem, which stores carbon dioxide. Certification could enable the sale of blue carbon credits to firms for emissions offsetting. If approved, Minamisanriku would be the first in Japan recognized for blue carbon in oyster farming, contributing to local economies by leveraging natural resources.
Source: Japan town seeks blue carbon certification for oyster farms
AI in agriculture & reducing food waste
Smart agriculture is gaining momentum in Japan, particularly in large-scale greenhouses, where AI-equipped robots are being used to address labor shortages. For instance, a robot developed by startup Agrist and operated by a subsidiary of Takamiya managing agricultural greenhouses employs AI and a camera to determine optimal harvest times. Another example is Inaho, an agricultural venture leasing an AI-equipped robot to a Dutch farm, automating cherry tomato picking. Inaho aims to export its smart agriculture technology globally and plans to lease robots for asparagus harvesting starting in fiscal 2025.
Source: Use of AI-based robots on the rise in Japanese agriculture
Japanese beverage makers and retailers are adopting AI technology to reduce food waste. The system uses AI to analyze photos of damaged cardboard boxes, determining if they need to be returned. Typically, entire boxes are returned even if only the outside is damaged, causing logistical issues. Seven major firms are collaborating on uniform criteria for AI assessment, aiming to alleviate the burden on logistics workers and minimize food loss.
Source: AI to reduce food waste by checking carton damage
Climate change, bird flu and its impacts
A highly pathogenic avian influenza case was confirmed at a Saga Prefecture chicken farm, marking Japan's first case this season. Around 40,000 chickens are being culled, with the agriculture ministry urging nationwide vigilance. Last year, bird flu spread to 26 prefectures, culling a record 17.71 million chickens. This led to a severe egg supply shortage, maintaining high prices in the Tokyo area at ¥350 per kilogram between April and May this year.
Source: Japan confirms season's first bird flu case in Saga
This summer's extreme heat and low rainfall in Japan have hindered crop growth, causing reduced shipments and significant price hikes for fruits and vegetables. The agriculture ministry reports that 10% of Tsugaru apples from Aomori Prefecture couldn't be shipped due to discoloration. Shipments of tomatoes, daikon, and Chinese cabbages have also decreased, leading to elevated prices.