Japan Shrimp Market Forecast 2025–2033

According to Renub Research Japan Shrimp Market is projected to grow from US$ 3,173.52 million in 2024 to US$ 4,583.80 million by 2033, registering a CAGR of 4,17% between 2025 and 2033. The increasing recognition of shrimp as a healthy, high-protein seafood, the adoption of modern aquaculture technologies, and supportive government policies encouraging ethically sourced food are among the major factors driving market growth.

As Japan strengthens its sustainability commitments and enhances its seafood supply chain, the shrimp sector remains a core component of the country’s wider seafood market.

Japan Shrimp Industry Overview

Shrimp holds a prominent place within Japan’s seafood culture, forming an essential ingredient in sushi, sashimi, tempura, bento meals, and numerous ready-to-eat products. While Japan once had a sizeable domestic shrimp fishery, it now relies heavily on imports from Southeast Asian producers such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. Annually, Japan consumes more than 200,000 tons of shrimp, making it one of the world’s largest importers.

High-value wild shrimp varieties such as kuruma ebi (Japanese tiger prawn) remain prized delicacies, though their availability is limited due to declining wild stocks and higher production costs. This scarcity has pushed Japan to depend on sustainably sourced imports and to invest in advanced aquaculture practices.

Health awareness is another major driver of shrimp consumption. Shrimp is low in calories, rich in protein, and contains essential minerals and omega-3 fatty acids—making it ideal for health-oriented consumers. Meanwhile, Japan’s aquaculture sector is rapidly modernizing, incorporating advanced farming tools that enhance yields and meet quality standards.

Japan’s strategic geographic location and sophisticated port and logistics infrastructure help smooth the import and distribution of shrimp nationwide. Growing demand for environmentally friendly, traceable, and ethically sourced seafood is shaping purchasing behavior, prompting Japanese buyers to favor suppliers with strong sustainability credentials. Public agencies further support this transition by offering incentives, R& D funding, and aquaculture development programs.

Request a free sample copy of the report:https://www.renub.com/request-sample-page.php?gturl=japan-shrimp-market-p.php

Key Factors Driving the Japan Shrimp Market Growth

Preferences for Sustainability and Traceability

Sustainability is transforming the Japanese shrimp market as consumers demand transparency regarding how and where shrimp is produced. Eco-labels such as MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) and ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) are becoming common expectations, especially among urban and health-conscious buyers.

This shift is driven by:

·        Rising concerns about ocean health

·        The need for responsible harvesting

·        Increasing awareness of food safety

·        Demand for full traceability

Retailers and restaurant chains now prioritize shrimp suppliers that can guarantee sustainable and ethical production. This change is fueling investments in traceability systems, certification processes, and improved farming practices. Companies offering wild-caught or responsibly farmed shrimp with verified origins are gaining substantial competitive advantages.

Innovations in Aquaculture and Technology

Japan’s shrimp industry is undergoing technological transformation as producers adopt advanced aquaculture solutions to boost productivity and reduce ecological impact. Systems such as biofloc, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), and AI-enabled monitoring tools are increasingly common.

These innovations allow farmers to monitor water conditions, optimize feeding, reduce waste, and maintain shrimp health in real time. As a result, domestic shrimp yields improve and the risk of disease decreases.

Growth is also supported by improved feed formulations, automated sorting systems, and robotics that streamline farm operations. Such technological progress supports Japan’s goals of enhancing food security, promoting sustainable seafood, and reducing dependence on imports for long-term stability.

Strong Import Connections & Supply Chain Enhancements

Japan’s shrimp imports primarily originate from Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, China, and India. Decades-long trade relations ensure a stable and diverse shrimp supply, helping the country meet consistently high consumer demand.

Recent upgrades in Japan’s logistics infrastructure—including improvements to cold storage, digital tracking systems, and port facilities—have strengthened the shrimp supply chain. These enhancements reduce waste, ensure freshness, and maintain quality standards from landing to retail shelves.

With more efficient handling of frozen and chilled shrimp, Japan sustains its reputation as a major global shrimp buyer. Retailers and restaurants benefit from improved access to multiple shrimp varieties, supporting high service standards and menu innovation.

Challenges in the Japan Shrimp Market

Labor Shortage and an Aging Workforce

Japan’s fishing and aquaculture sectors face critical labor shortages. The workforce is aging—many workers are over 60—and fewer young people are entering the industry. Shrimp farming is labor-intensive, requiring daily monitoring, manual feeding, and constant quality control.

As senior workers retire, production capacity decreases, pushing many small farms to scale down or close. Although automation and modern farming technologies offer relief, the lack of skilled personnel slows adoption rates.

The continued workforce imbalance limits domestic production growth and increases long-term reliance on imported shrimp.

Price Sensitivity of Consumers

Despite being a staple in Japanese cuisine, shrimp is subject to price sensitivity among consumers. Rising living costs and stagnant wages influence buying decisions, affecting the demand for premium or certified sustainable shrimp products.

Consumers often opt for competitively priced options rather than high-cost eco-labeled shrimp, creating a challenge for producers who invest heavily in sustainable farming methods. Retailers and restaurants must balance cost pressures with evolving consumer expectations about quality and sustainability.

This price sensitivity constrains the expansion of value-added shrimp categories, including organic, premium, and traceability-enhanced products.

Japan Shrimp Market Regional Analysis

Tokyo Shrimp Market

Tokyo is the largest and most dynamic shrimp market in Japan. Its dense population, affluent consumers, and vibrant restaurant culture create continuous demand for shrimp used in sushi, tempura, ramen, donburi, and convenience store meals.

The Toyosu Market, one of the world’s largest wholesale seafood hubs, plays a pivotal role in distributing both imported and domestic shrimp daily. Tokyo consumers prioritize:

·        Freshness

·        Food safety

·        Traceability

·        Ready-to-eat convenience

Eco-friendly sourcing is gaining popularity, influencing retailer and supplier strategies.

Kansai Shrimp Market

The Kansai region—including Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe—has a rich food culture, making it another major shrimp consumption center. Shrimp is widely used in regional dishes like okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and kaiseki cuisine.

Osaka’s wholesale markets import large volumes of shrimp, supporting both household and commercial demand. Kansai consumers value taste, affordability, and freshness. Frozen and ready-to-use shrimp products are commonly sold throughout supermarkets and convenience stores.

While domestic production in Kansai is small, strong cultural demand and efficient logistics ensure sustained growth.

Aichi Shrimp Market

Centered around Nagoya, Aichi serves as a key inland distribution channel for imported shrimp. Its strategic location between Tokyo and Kansai enhances logistics efficiency. Shrimp is commonly featured in local dishes, izakaya menus, and retail products.

Aichi’s role in shrimp packaging, processing, and distribution further cements its importance in the national supply chain. Retailers and restaurants prioritize freshness, competitive pricing, and reliable supply.

Japan Shrimp Exports and Imports

Japan plays a dual role in the global shrimp market: a significant importer and a smaller but respected exporter of specialty shrimp products.

Exports

In 2023:

·        Japan exported US$ 4.08 million worth of prepared or preserved shrimp.

·        It ranked 40th globally among 135 exporting nations.

·        Key export destinations included:

o   Hong Kong (US$ 2.44M)

o   United States (US$ 349k)

o   Singapore (US$ 272k)

o   Indonesia (US$ 182k)

o   Chinese Taipei (US$ 168k)

Imports

Japan imported US$ 637 million of prepared or preserved shrimp in 2023, ranking second-largest importer globally.
Top suppliers included:

·        Thailand — US$ 242M

·        Vietnam — US$ 230M

·        Indonesia — US$ 83.2M

·        China — US$ 39.9M

·        India — US$ 13.8M

High import volumes reflect Japan’s dependence on foreign suppliers and its robust domestic demand.

Market Segmentations

Species

·        L. vannamei

·        P. monodon

·        M. rosenbergii

·        Others

Size Category

·        <15

·        15–20

·        21–25

·        26–30

·        31–40

·        41–50

·        51–60

·        61–70

·        70

Product Form

·        Breaded

·        Cooked

·        Peeled

·        Green/Head-off

·        Green/Head-on

·        Other Forms

Cities

·        Tokyo

·        Kansai

·        Aichi

·        Kanagawa

·        Saitama

·        Hyogo

·        Chiba

·        Hokkaido

·        Fukuoka

·        Shizuoka

Key Company Profiles

Major companies covered include:

·        Avanti Feeds Ltd.

·        High Liner Foods Inc.

·        Surapon Foods

·        Thai Union Group

·        The Waterbase Ltd.

·        Royal Greenland

·        Maruha Nichiro Corporation

·        Mowi ASA

·        Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL

These companies emphasize sustainability, high-quality production, product innovation, and strong global supply networks to cater to Japan’s evolving shrimp demand.