The Challenge of Food Self-Sufficiency in Japan

The Challenge of Food Self-Sufficiency in Japan

In FY2023, Japan's food self-sufficiency rate is 38% on a calorie basis and 67% on a value of production basis, the lowest among OECD member countries. Japan's dependence on imports is remarkable, with self-sufficiency rates for livestock feed at 25% and wheat at 13%, and the country faces risks in international markets. By region, Hokkaido (199%) and Akita Prefecture (139%) are high, while Tokyo (1%) and Osaka (2%) are extremely low. The loss of a culture of local production and consumption, declining farmland, and aging farmers are also having an impact. 2021 logistical disruptions have reduced the supply of imported wheat, which has affected the domestic market. The government has set a goal of raising the self-sufficiency rate to 45% by 2030, but further measures are required in light of climate change and the uncertainty of the international situation.