Japan News Update #64 (Oct 2024)

Food production trends in Japan

Marubeni has begun selling locally farmed salmon in Japan, partnering with Norway's Proximar Seafood, which operates Japan's first land-based salmon farm. This aligns with Japan’s goal to increase locally sourced seafood consumption. Marubeni and other Japanese trading houses, like Mitsubishi and Mitsui, are diversifying into the food sector for stable revenue, attracting investment from Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.

Source: Marubeni-backed salmon farm starts Japan sales as part of diversification push

Kubota aims to boost Japanese harvests by installing base stations that enhance positioning precision for its automated farming equipment. Using real-time kinematic technology, Kubota reduces GPS errors to about 3 cm, which is essential for precision tasks like ridge formation. Partnering with local governments, Kubota will complete a 90-station network nationwide, potentially covering most farming areas by year-end.

Source: Kubota to enhance precision farming for higher crop yields in Japan

Beniharuka became Japan's leading sweet potato variety by acreage in 2022, covering 7,055 hectares. Famous for its high yield, rich sweetness, and sticky texture, Beniharuka now occupies 22% of the total acreage, with half in Ibaraki Prefecture. Demand remains strong for flaky varieties in processed foods. New cultivars like Konaishin are gaining ground in brewing and starch production.

Source: Beniharuka becomes the most grown sweet potato variety in Japan in 2022

Konbini program for food waste reduction

FamilyMart launched a pilot program using "Please help me" stickers with teary-eyed characters on near-expiration food items to reduce waste. Running until Nov. 26, the Tokyo and Kanagawa stores trial aims to boost discounted item sales. If successful, the initiative could expand, supporting FamilyMart's goal to cut in-store food waste by 50% by 2030.

Source: FamilyMart trials sobbing discount stickers to help prevent food waste