Melons and papayas market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for melons and papayas in Japan remained stable at around 501,000–502,000 tonnes from 2018 to 2019. It then dropped to 476,600 tonnes in 2020 before recovering to 484,400 tonnes in 2021. The 2018 launch of green papaya beverages by Olive Pharmacy, with its multi-store expansion and mobile sales vehicles in Aichi Prefecture, introduced new retail channels for papaya-based products.

After 2021, the market shrank further, reaching 470,100 tonnes in 2022 and 460,600 tonnes in 2023. Despite the overall decline, green papaya gained attention as a superfood trend in 2022, boosting demand for immune-boosting and plant-based foods. By 2024, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s mission-oriented industrial policy began large-scale, long-term support for related sectors, stimulating investment.

In 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reported progress in Japanese investment in Middle Eastern agriculture, including expanded melon and papaya production through technical partnerships. Simultaneously, domestic agribusinesses advanced fusarium wilt-resistant papaya melon varieties to improve quality and yield stability, while labeling rules for genetically modified papaya remained in force.

Production melons and papayas in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2018-2021

World map of production of melons and papayas, 2018-2021

In 2019, Japan's production of melons and papayas reached its peak at 480.2 thousand tons. This was followed by a decline of 4.5% in 2020, when output fell to 458.8 thousand tons. In 2021, production rebounded to 469.6 thousand tons, marking a 2.4% increase compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

After declining for two consecutive years, Japan's melons and papayas production value increased in 2021. The output was valued at 3,963 million US dollars, representing an 11.1% rise from 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 3,568 million US dollars, which marked a 9.1% decrease. Overall, between 2018 and 2021, production value decreased by 3.9%, averaging an annual decline of 1.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports melons and papayas from Japan

Exports in kind, t

Japan's exports of melons and papayas have grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, shipments abroad reached 1,191 tons, showing a strong 16.4% increase from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 124.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 31.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Hong Kong was consistently the primary destination for Japan's melons and papayas exports in volume terms, accounting for 88.5% of total shipments. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

Japan's melons and papayas exports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the export value reached 10,053 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 26.3% year-on-year advance. Between 2018 and 2021, export value grew by 117.7%, with an average annual rate of 29.6%.

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

During 2018–2021, Hong Kong dominated Japan's melons and papayas exports in value terms, absorbing 86.2% of total flows. The rest was spread across numerous minor trading partners.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Japan's imports of melons and papayas have declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, import volumes stood at 16,032 tons, indicating a sharp 14.9% drop compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 43.7%, with an average annual decline of 17.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Mexico, the United States, and Australia were the main sources for Japan's melons and papayas imports in volume terms. Mexico accounted for 43.3% of imports, the United States for 17.7%, and Australia for 13.8%, together making up 74.8% of total import flows.

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

In 2021, Japan's melons and papayas import value amounted to 27,365 thousand US dollars, showing a 4.1% increase from 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a 0.1% decrease. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value rose by 4.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Mexico, Australia, and the United States were the key sources for Japan's melons and papayas imports in value terms. Mexico contributed 26.4% of imports, Australia 20.9%, and the United States 20.7%, collectively accounting for 68.0% of total import flows.

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

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