Japan News Update #50 (May 2023)

Food Security and dairy crises in Japan

The government plans to overhaul agricultural policy to improve food security and reduce import dependency. PM Kishida aims to increase the domestic production of wheat, soybeans, and feed grains. Japan received praise at the G-7 farm ministers' meeting for innovative practices, but some experts caution against excessive reliance on these initiatives.
Source: Japan adopts concept of farming policy overhaul to boost food security; Japan faces uphill battle to ensure food security

Japan's raw milk producer bankruptcies hit a 10-year peak in 2022 due to factors like Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the devalued yen, raising livestock feed costs. Passing on increased costs to product prices remains challenging, with milk carton prices only rising to 10% from the previous year.
Source: 'Dairy crisis' hits Japan as farm bankruptcies see 10-year high

Corporate involvement in Japanese agriculture has grown, with a 30% increase in companies in the sector, now comprising around 40% of domestic sales. Meanwhile, individual farmers have decreased by 20%. Agricultural corporations achieved sales of 3 trillion yen ($22 billion) in 2020, a 50% rise in a decade. However, overall productivity remains low due to inefficient small-scale farms managed by elderly farmers.
Source: Businesses help spur Japan's agricultural revival

New production technology – from microorganisms to space

Chiba University established the Research Center for Space Agriculture and Horticulture to develop food production technology for long-term lunar stays. Utilizing its expertise as Japan's only national university with a Faculty of Horticulture, the university aims to create a "space plant factory" and explore extra-terrestrial farming methods.
Source: Japan University launches space horticulture research center, looks to Farming on the Moon

Bokashi, using fermented waste as fertilizer, has gained traction globally as chemical fertilizer costs rise due to the Ukraine conflict. Teruo Higa, a horticulture professor, has popularized bokashi as an eco-friendly alternative through his research on Effective Microorganisms. Unlike composting, bokashi fermentation breaks organic waste down to plant nutrients and energizes the soil with beneficial microorganisms.
Source: Realizing the power of bokashi and microorganisms in farming

Alternative protein trends

Japanese seafood processors are meeting the demand for crab with high-quality imitation crab meat that closely resembles the real thing. Surimi prices are rising globally, prompting Japanese firms to enhance the value of imitation crab by introducing new products that blend male and female crab flavors for a fresh ocean-inspired experience.
Source: High-end imitation crab offers savor and succulence, not shells

Kyoto Prefectural University researchers have successfully transformed mealworms, edible insect larvae, into minced meat-like product (soboro in Japanese) known as 'insect meat.' This innovation offers easy breeding in confined spaces and holds potential as a cost-effective protein source. The team envisions its application not only as a functional protein food but also as a prospective candidate for 'space food' in the future.
Source: Kyoto Prefectural University develops soboro-style 'insect meat.'

The Japanese government aims to promote cultured meat production as a promising industry. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry offers financial aid for technological advancements in this field, considering it a part of "bio-manufacturing." The Ministry of Agriculture has also established a public-private council to support cultured meat production.
Source: Cultured Meat Gaining Attention as a Way to Meet Future Demand

Functional labeling' for agricultural products

The prevalence of 'functional labeling' for health-promoting fruit, vegetables, and other products is rising. One hundred ninety-eight fresh produce items, including livestock and fisheries, have been submitted for labeling—mainly tangerines, apples, and tomatoes. The Ministry of Agriculture offers consultation services and supports production areas with application information, research materials, and access to ingredient analysis institutions. The Horticultural Crops Division expects an increase in applications related to Gaba, found in various agricultural products, due to the availability of evidence from previous notifications.
Source: Growing examples of functional labeling on fruit and vegetables to promote good health