Export value of fishery products from Japan 2014-2023

In 2023, the exports of fishery and aquaculture products from Japan were valued at over 390 billion Japanese yen. The value hit a low in 2020 at around 227.6 billion yen but recovered in more recent years. Commodities of the fisheries and aquaculture industry made up around a quarter of the total primary sector exports.

Japan relies on imports for fishery products

Concerning the Japanese fisheries and aquaculture industry, scallops represented the commodity with the largest export value, followed by pearls, yellowtail, and tuna. Marine fisheries generated the highest output within the Japanese fishing industry compared to inland water fisheries. However, the self-sufficiency ratio of fish and seafood remained below 60 percent in recent years, implying Japan's decreasing ability to ensure its fish and seafood demand through the domestic fishery industry. Consequently, the country is reliant on imports of a majority of marine products. 

Challenges for the Japanese fishing industry

Similar to the agricultural sector, the number of individuals working in the fishing industry continues to decrease and the industry is struggling to generate interest in younger generations. To create new job opportunities within the fishing industry and improve both sustainability and productivity, the Japanese government strives to implement innovative technologies in the coming years, for example, by investing in the next-generation aquaculture and fish farming market.
Even though fish is an important ingredient of traditional Japanese cuisine, seafood consumption has been hitting the lowest levels in a decade. At the same time, the consumption of meat continues to increase, with wide accessibility and simple preparation working in favor of meat. It has become popular to prepare even typical seafood dishes such as sushi and sashimi with meat instead. However, it does not seem likely that meat will drastically displace fish in the near future as Japanese consumers value it as part of a healthy diet.