Paddy rice market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Japan's paddy rice market volume experienced a gradual decline, falling from 10 606 thousand tonnes to 10 476 thousand tonnes. This trend was primarily driven by the government's ongoing acreage reduction policy, which limited the land used for rice cultivation to avoid surplus and maintain market prices. Concurrently, rural depopulation and an aging farming population increased production costs and reduced operational efficiency, further constraining output.

In 2021, market volume temporarily increased to 10 616 thousand tonnes, a rise of 1.3% from the previous year. This growth occurred despite the continued acreage restrictions and was supported by government efforts to promote integrated cultivation and strengthen production systems, enhancing efficiency. However, rising production costs due to increased prices for fertilizer and energy began to exert pressure on the sector.

The market resumed its downward trajectory from 2022 to 2023, with volume dropping to 10 136 thousand tonnes by 2023. Supply constraints linked to the acreage reduction policy and climate variability persisted, while high rice prices—driven by competition among retailers to secure supplies—did not offset the overall decline in production. Consumer demand for rice continued to weaken as dietary preferences shifted toward alternative staple foods.

Production paddy rice in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Japan maintained the 12th position globally in paddy rice production volume.

Top producers of paddy rice, 2018-2021

World map of production of paddy rice, 2018-2021

Following a two-year decline, paddy rice production in Japan increased in 2021. The country produced 10 616 K t of paddy rice that year, marking a slight uptick of 1.3% compared to 2020. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 10 476 K t, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 0.6% drop.

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

Exports paddy rice from Japan

Exports in kind, kg

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, showing a 7.3-fold difference between these years. In 2021, paddy rice shipments from Japan totaled 8 497 kg, representing an 86.1% decrease from 2020. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 61 094 kg, with the largest increase occurring that same year at 230.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021, kg

Between 2018 and 2021, three principal markets—Asia (not elsewhere specified), Vietnam, and Uruguay—collectively accounted for 73.9% of Japan's total paddy rice exports in kind.

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, $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations throughout the period. Exports reached their highest point in 2018 and their lowest in 2021, with a 15-fold variation between these years. In 2021, Japan exported 3 717 US dollars worth of paddy rice, indicating an 87.3% decline from the previous year. The largest decrease was recorded in 2019 at 87.8%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 328.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Myanmar (23.5% of exports in value terms), South Korea (20.6%), and Asia (not elsewhere specified, 18.8%) formed the core of Japan's paddy rice exports by value, together accounting for 62.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports paddy rice to Japan

Market data indicates that Japan did not import any paddy rice from 2018 to 2021.