Rice market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, Japan's rice market volume saw a gradual contraction, declining from 11.2 million tons to 10.8 million tons. This trend was driven by a persistent reduction in domestic production, which fell from 10.6 million tons to 10.1 million tons over the period, while imports remained relatively stable. A key turning point occurred in 2023 when record heatwaves and low rainfall across the country severely damaged rice quality, sharply reducing the amount of high-grade rice available for sale and accelerating the market's decline.

Extreme weather patterns intensified in 2024 and 2025, causing further significant production shortfalls and triggering widespread rice shortages and price surges. In response, the Japanese government released strategic rice reserves and urged increased imports to stabilize supply. These measures were accompanied by rising production costs, shifts in agricultural policy, and intensified forward purchasing by large-scale users, which collectively sustained market tightness and high price levels throughout these years.

Production rice in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Japan ranked 12th globally in rice production.

Top producers of rice, 2018-2021

World map of production of rice, 2018-2021

Following a two-year decline, Japan's rice production increased in 2021. The country produced 10 616 K t of rice that year, marking a slight rise 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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Rice production in Japan grew for the third consecutive year in 2021. The output was valued at 15 591 M $ US, reflecting a gradual increase of 3.5% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 43.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8%.

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

Exports rice from Japan

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, Japan's rice exports totaled 43.1 K t, showing a modest rise of 5.2% from 2020. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 48.7 K t, with a 6.9% increase that year. However, exports fell to their lowest point in 2020 at 41.0 K t, experiencing a significant decline of 15.9%. Overall, from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 5.4%, with a CAGR of -1.8%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Hong Kong, Mauritania, and Singapore were notable buyers of Japanese rice, accounting for 14.6%, 12.2%, and 8.8% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 35.6% of total exports, indicating a diversified export structure without dominant partners.

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, M $ US

Rice exports from Japan increased for the third consecutive year in 2021, reaching 63.3 M $ US, a 7.5% rise compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 35.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 10.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Japan's rice exports in value terms were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Hong Kong led with 26.4% of exports, followed by Singapore at 13.5% and the United States at 8.7%. Combined, these three accounted for 48.6% of total export value, highlighting a relatively balanced market presence.

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

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

Imports rice to Japan

Imports in kind, K t

Japan's rice imports declined for the second consecutive year in 2021, amounting to 662.7 K t, a 2.1% decrease from 2020. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 678.6 K t, which saw a 1.0% increase that year.

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

During 2018-2021, the United States and Thailand dominated Japan's rice imports in kind, with shares of 47.4% and 39.3%, respectively. Together, they accounted for 86.7% of total imports, while other partners made up the remainder.

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, M $ US

Japan's rice imports in value terms increased for the second consecutive year in 2021, totaling 520.2 M $ US, a limited gain of 3.3% compared to 2020. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 489.7 M $ US, which experienced a 0.4% decline. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports rose by 5.8%, with an annualized rate of 1.9%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, the United States and Thailand concentrated 84.1% of Japan's rice imports in value terms. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations, each contributing smaller individual amounts.

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

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