Is Japan Facing Food Insecurity? – A Closer Look at Self-Sufficiency by Hisayo Shibata

Japan, a nation celebrated worldwide for its rich culinary heritage, faces a looming challenge: food insecurity. Despite the international recognition of Washoku, its traditional food culture, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, Japan's reliance on food imports continues to rise, and the country struggles to achieve food self-sufficiency. This infographic takes a closer look at Japan's current state of food production, the reasons behind its dependence on imports, and potential solutions to ensure food security in the future.
The story begins with Japan’s shrinking farmland. Since 1960, urbanization and an aging population have steadily eroded the agricultural sector. Farmland in Japan has decreased by nearly 30%, from over 6 million hectares to just under 4.4 million by 2020. This decline is compounded by the dramatic drop in the number of farmers—an 88% reduction over the past few decades. As Japan’s agricultural workforce ages, with 80% of farmers now over 60 years old, the challenge of revitalizing the farming industry becomes even more urgent.
By 2022, Japan’s food self-sufficiency rate stood at just 38% for calories, one of the lowest in developed nations. The government has set a goal to raise this to 45% by 2030, but the trend has been downward for decades. Japan’s dependence on food imports is evident: 62% of its total calorie consumption comes from abroad, with a few countries supplying the bulk of this food. This concentrated reliance makes Japan vulnerable to disruptions in global supply chains, from natural disasters to political instability.
Compounding the issue is a shift in dietary habits. Over the past several decades, Japan’s traditional diet—rich in rice, fish, and vegetables—has been replaced by more oil-based and meat-heavy meals. Rice consumption has halved since the 1960s, while meat consumption has more than tripled. As these dietary changes continue, Japan finds itself relying more on imports, exacerbating its food security risks.
The infographic suggests that for Japan to regain control over its food future, it must increase domestic production and promote local consumption. Supporting the agricultural sector, encouraging younger generations to enter farming, and investing in sustainable practices are critical steps toward reducing Japan’s reliance on external food sources.
The infographic concludes with a thought-provoking question: Can Japan secure its food future while maintaining its current budget priorities? While agricultural spending remains stagnant, Japan’s defense budget is seeing a substantial increase. As Japan faces the reality of food insecurity, it raises the question—can the country’s military march on its stomach? It’s a stark reminder that food security is not just an agricultural issue, but a national one that requires urgent attention at all levels of government.