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The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of Japan proposed revisions of Japan’s maximum residue levels for four agricultural chemicals (Butachlor, Etofenprox, Spinetoram, and Prallethrin) for various agricultural commodities.

On April 1, 2025, Japan formally lifted the mandatory aflatoxin testing requirements on U.S. almonds compliant with the new almond export protocol.

This report highlights the harmonization of specific liquor taxes on alcoholic beverages that took effect on Oct.1st, 2024. U.S. exports of these products are not directly affected, but exporters should be aware of these changes.

The Government of Japan (GOJ) through its Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA), has opened the public comment period for revisions it is proposing to the specifications for sterilized or sterile filtered mineral water to include specifications for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has taken extraordinary steps to alleviate high rice prices that have continued to increase since the domestic rice shortage in summer 2024.

Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) intends to mandate allergy labeling on cashew nuts from the current recommended status. The CAA also intends to add pistachios to the recommended allergy labeling category.

The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of Japan announced four sets of proposals. First was revisions on Japan’s maximum residue levels for 9 agricultural chemicals...

FAS/Tokyo projects Japan’s forage demand to continue to be sluggish in MY2024/25 due to the slow recovery of cattle inventories. Even weaker demand for imported forage is anticipated as farmers shift to price-competitive domestic forage.

The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of Japan proposed three sets of revisions. One is for Japan’s maximum residue levels for three agricultural chemicals (Fluazinam, Flupyrimin, and Mandestrobin) for various agricultural commodities.

On December 17, 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) invited public comments on a revision to the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) for Chicken Eggs and Meat by Sustainable System.

On December 17, 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) invited public comments on a revision to the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) for miso (fermented soybean paste seasoning).

In 2023, total sales of Japan’s hotel, restaurant, and institutional food service industry (HRI) increased by approximately 16 percent compared to the previous year, reaching $226.2 billion. The surge in international tourists contributed to these...