Sesame oil and fractions market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The sesame oil market in Japan began the period with a transparency shock when Rokuhoku Seiyu was found to have mislabeled the origin of its domestic oil, using imported sesame and falsely claiming no additives. In response, a new player, Henko Yamada, entered the market with a commitment to pure domestic sesame oil, aiming to stabilize the supply of local sesame. Regulatory enforcement followed in 2019 with a corrective order from Kagoshima Prefecture. Market volume subsequently grew, reaching a peak of 50 131 t in 2021, supported by a strong domestic production base that had reached 321 500 t for sesame oil overall.

After the peak, the market volume contracted to 46 102 t by 2023. While health-conscious trends continued to drive demand for refined sesame oil, which held a 63% market share, the overall consumption declined. Concurrently, the sesame oil cake market expanded, fueled by the rise of organic and sustainable farming practices and government support measures.

In the later years, household demand for sesame oil remained robust, partly sustained by increased home cooking following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, rising raw material costs and a weak yen led to price revisions. The market leader, Kadoiya Seiyu, strengthened its position by launching new health-oriented products, including a functional food item. In 2025, the Fair Trade Commission issued an elimination order against Kadoiya and Takemoto Yushi for price collusion. New regulations also came into force, such as the mandatory labeling of walnuts as a specific allergen and the positive list system for food contact materials. The government actively promoted exports, helping major manufacturers increase overseas sales to 8.6 billion yen.

Production sesame oil and fractions in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Globally, Japan ranked as the fourth-largest producer of sesame oil and fractions from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of sesame oil and fractions, 2018-2021

World map of production of sesame oil and fractions, 2018-2021

Japan's production of sesame oil and fractions grew for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 57 702 tonnes, marking a 6.3% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 9.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Japan's sesame oil and fractions production value also increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 404.9 million US dollars, showing a moderate gain of 3.4% year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, production value grew by 23.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%.

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

Exports sesame oil and fractions from Japan

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Japan exported 10 055 tonnes of sesame oil and fractions, a 17.6% increase from the previous year. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 8 550 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 7.5%. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 11.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong remained the primary buyers of sesame oil and fractions from Japan. The United States accounted for 67.9% of exports in kind, Canada for 10.5%, and Hong Kong for 8.2%, together making up 86.5% of total exports.

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 sesame oil and fractions export value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 70 551 thousand US dollars, a solid rise of 14.4% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, export value grew by 26.4%, with an annualized rate of 8.1%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, the United States and Canada accounted for 80.6% of Japan's sesame oil and fractions exports in value terms, while other destinations made up the remaining share with smaller individual contributions.

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

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

Imports sesame oil and fractions to Japan

Imports in kind, t

Japan's imports of sesame oil and fractions declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 2 484 tonnes, a 6.0% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 22.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Vietnam and Mexico were the key partners for Japan's imports of sesame oil and fractions in kind, together accounting for 81.3% of total flows, with other partners making up the rest.

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

After two years of growth, Japan's imports of sesame oil and fractions in value terms declined. In 2021, imports were valued at 9 908 thousand US dollars, a 2.7% decrease from the prior year. Imports peaked in 2020 at 9 908 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 5.7%. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value increased by 4.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.4%.

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

In 2018-2021, Vietnam, Mexico, and China led as the main suppliers of sesame oil and fractions to Japan in value terms. Vietnam accounted for 51.8% of imports, Mexico for 27.5%, and China for 9.1%, collectively representing 88.3% of total imports.

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

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