Production volume of tobacco leaves in Japan 2013-2022

In 2022, the production volume of tobacco leaves in Japan amounted to around 8.8 thousand tons, falling below 10 thousand tons for the first time in the past decade. The tobacco leaf production in Japan encompasses predominantly three varieties: burley, yellow tobacco, and native species. 

Tobacco cultivation in Japan

Tobacco was cultivated in 27 prefectures in Japan, with Kumamoto and Okinawa standing at the forefront. However, the number of tobacco leaf farmers declined steadily in recent years, reaching record-lows with under three thousand people. Coupled with a declining production output, the sales of tobacco leaves reached a new low at around 17 billion yen.

The single destination of the domestic harvest

Japan Tobacco, Inc. is the only Japanese manufacturer authorized to produce and distribute tobacco products in the country. In accordance to its state monopoly position, the company is obliged to enter a contract with domestic tobacco leaf farmers and purchase their entire harvest.
However, following the expansion of the business into the global market, Japan Tobacco scaled up its supply chain for raw materials and distribution channels, achieving its position as a leading tobacco company worldwide.