Due in part to a temporary surge in demand, Japan faced a rice shortage in some supermarkets this summer, however its expected the arrival of the new crop will alleviate shortages in September. Japan annually produces approximately 8 MMT of rice. For more: buff.ly/4daDX29

Japan has added six foreign #GeographicalIndication items, including Vietnamese and Thai food products under its GI Act. Japan aims for the GI system to boost exports of its food products in Southeast Asia. See details #GAINReport : buff.ly/3ztwyNR

FAS/Tokyo forecasts #Japan’s cattle inventory expands in 2025 on greater cow beginning stocks and moderate pace of slaughtering from 2024. #Beef production nevertheless will remain flat in 2025 on increases of larger-carcass black wagyu cattle. For more: buff.ly/3zPUvyL

FAS/Tokyo projects that growth in sow numbers in Japan will raise the total #swine population by the end of 2025. Accordingly, #pork production expands on greater slaughter numbers and heavier finishing weights. Please read our #GAINreport for details: buff.ly/3zPUvyL

U.S. sweet #cherry to uptick in 2024. Heat damage reduces Japan’s sweet #cherry commercial distribution to historic low, driving demand for U.S. sweet #cherries in Japan. See 2024 Japan stonefruit #GAINreport for #cherry, #peach and #nectarine info. buff.ly/3N6vMcP

#USDAJapan Minister Counselor for Agriculture Jeanne Bailey visited Kagoshima as part of her introduction to Japanese agriculture, meeting with producers of rice, beef, vegetables, and other specialty products across the region.

#USDAJapan experienced Japan’s diverse agriCULTURE during an all-hands visit to beautiful Kagoshima, where we visited producers of green tea and black vinegar and met with local officials to learn more about the area's rich food history and positive trade relations with the U.S.

U.S. food and beverages continue to be prominently displayed at retail stores and are frequently sought out by consumers for quality and freshness. For more, see the Retail Foods Annual: buff.ly/4gNdHhA #GAINReport

Japan was the 4th largest export market for U.S. food and agricultural products in 2023, valued $13.4 billion. Imported food, agricultural and seafood products must comply with Japanese laws and regulations. For more on updates/developments: buff.ly/406elk3 #GAINReport

Japan's fluid milk production will decline in 2025 due to fewer milking cows. #Butter and #NFDM production will stabilize to utilize surplus milk amid low drinking milk demand. Cheese consumption will stay strong but won't boost production. For more: buff.ly/4fcBNB9

In 2024, Japan to continue using ETBE made from #bioethanol, while aiming to introduce E10 gasoline by 2030. Also, domestic #SAF production being prioritized for decarbonization. The 2024 Japan Biofuels Annual: buff.ly/3D5aB93 #GAINReport

Total sales in Japan's HRI industry rose 16% in 2023 to $226.2 bn, driven by increased international tourism, benefiting all food service sectors. The U.S. is well-positioned to supply agricultural products. For more details: buff.ly/4gpTYng

FAS Japan welcomed back 27 participants from the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council after 18 months in the U.S., where they learned about American agriculture. The trainees gained valuable hands-on experience on vegetable, fruit, dairy, cattle, and poultry farms.

FAS/Tokyo predicts more corn imports for MY2025/26 as feed demand in Japan shifts away from costly rice to corn. Strong demand and high prices for rice led the gov’t to release rice reserves and prompted private sales of high-tariff imports: usdajapan.org/market-researc… #GAINReport

Japan gives “green light” to U.S. developed, genome edited potato. For more read: usdajapan.org/market-researc… #GAINReport

The Government of Japan discusses food safety standards for cell cultured foods and plans to provide guidance for industry by the end of summer 2025. For more, read: usdajapan.org/market-researc… #GAINReport

In 2024, Japan’s food processing sector increased 3.9 percent in the value of food produced, totaling $174 billion. Production increases were seen in dairy, alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee and cocoa, and health foods. Full report: usdajapan.org/market-researc… #GAINReport

The report outlines the harmonization of specific liquor taxes on beer and hard cider starting October 1, 2026. While U.S. exports won't be directly impacted, exporters should stay informed about these changes. More details can be found here: usdajapan.org/market-researc…

Japan plans to boost soybean crushing over canola due to better margins, as imported oils like palm and olive become costly. Hokkaido's favorable 2024 summer weather resulted in excellent food-grade soybean production. For more: usdajapan.org/market-researc… #GAINReports USSEC

Big news! U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass, AEON VP Mitsuko Tsuchiya, and USA Rice grower Leo LeGrande announced AEON, Japan's largest supermarket chain, purchased 14,000 MT of 100% U.S. Calrose rice. Available in AEON stores across Japan starting June 6, 2025! #USJapan #Ag