Dried shelled broad and horse beans market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The Japanese dried shelled broad and horse beans market volume grew from 4 708 t in 2018 to 4 980 t in 2019, supported by rising consumer demand for plant-based proteins and the increasing popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets. This trend reflected a broader shift toward health-conscious eating, which elevated dried beans as a versatile and nutritious ingredient.

Market volume then contracted to 3 780 t in 2020 and 2 944 t in 2021, as climate-related production stresses and global supply chain disruptions likely constrained import availability. A sharp recovery to 3 810 t followed in 2022, triggered by a nationwide surge in interest after the health benefits of dried adzuki beans were highlighted on an NHK television program and by the expansion of bean-based noodle products with new major manufacturer entries.

In 2023, the market declined again to 2 947 t, with supply chain issues and cost fluctuations cited as limiting factors. Throughout the period, the market diversified with new product launches such as 100% yellow pea noodles and increased participation from food companies, reinforcing the structural move toward plant-based options.

Production dried shelled broad and horse beans in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, kg

Top producers of dried shelled broad and horse beans, 2018-2021

World map of production of dried shelled broad and horse beans, 2018-2021

After two years of growth, Japan's production of dried shelled broad and horse beans declined. In 2021, Japan produced 96 090 kg, representing a 2.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production increased by 4.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 98 030 kg, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019 at 6.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in kind, 2018-2021, kg

Exports dried shelled broad and horse beans from Japan

Exports in kind, t

In 2019, Japan's exports of dried shelled broad and horse beans reached 24 t, marking a substantial increase of 962.3% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Japan's exports of dried shelled broad and horse beans were almost entirely concentrated in China, which accounted for 99.0% of the total volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2019, Japan's exports of dried shelled broad and horse beans amounted to 17 K $ US, showing a significant decline of 81.8% year-over-year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Japan's exports of dried shelled broad and horse beans were largely directed towards China, which represented 90.1% of the total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021

Imports dried shelled broad and horse beans to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Japan's imports of dried shelled broad and horse beans declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Japan imported 2 848 t, reflecting a sharp contraction of 22.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 38.3%, with an average annual decline of 14.9%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 906 t. The largest year-on-year decrease occurred in 2020 at 24.9%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 6.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, China accounted for 70.1% of Japan's total imports of dried shelled broad and horse beans by volume, with the remaining imports distributed among a diverse group of smaller countries.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Japan's imports of dried shelled broad and horse beans declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Japan imported a total of 4 675 K $ US, indicating a significant loss of 12.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 28%, with an average annual decline of 10.4%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 7 801 K $ US. The largest year-on-year decrease occurred in 2020 at 31.5%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 20.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Japan's imports of dried shelled broad and horse beans in value terms were strongly focused on China, which represented 70.8% of total imports, with other partners accounting for the remaining share.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021