Japan Shrimp Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

Japan Shrimp Market Poised to Reach US$ 4,583.80 Million by 2033

The Japan Shrimp Market is on a steady upward trajectory, forecasted to grow from US$ 3,173.52 million in 2024 to US$ 4,583.80 million by 2033, according to Renub Research. This reflects a CAGR of 4.17% from 2025 to 2033. The market’s expansion is powered by rising health consciousness, evolving consumer expectations for sustainability, and rapid technological advancements in shrimp aquaculture.

Shrimp remains deeply embedded in Japanese cuisine—from sushi and tempura to convenience-store bento meals—making it one of the country’s most consumed seafood categories. As Japan’s domestic catch declines due to aging fishermen, environmental challenges, and limited coastline productivity, the nation increasingly depends on imports, mainly from Southeast Asia. This dependency has strengthened Japan’s role as one of the world's largest shrimp importers.

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Japan Shrimp Industry Overview

The Japanese shrimp industry holds a central position within the country’s seafood market. While Japan once relied more heavily on local shrimp fisheries, today it imports the majority of its shrimp, particularly from Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and China. The country consumes well over 200,000 tons of shrimp annually, placing it among the top global importers.

Premium wild-caught shrimp, including kuruma ebi (Japanese tiger prawn), remain delicacies in high-end dining despite their declining domestic availability. As concerns grow about sustainability and shrinking catches, Japan has witnessed a rise in imports of ethically sourced shrimp and increased investments into aquaculture technology. The nation’s stringent food safety and quality standards continue to shape production, processing, and retail practices.

Shrimp is cherished not only for its culinary versatility but also for its nutritional benefits. Rich in protein, low in calories, and packed with essential minerals and omega-3s, shrimp aligns perfectly with Japan’s strong culture of healthy eating. With seafood consumption ingrained in daily habits, shrimp has secured its place as a staple across households, restaurants, and retailers.

Key Factors Driving Japan Shrimp Market Growth

1. Rising Demand for Sustainability and Traceability

Japanese consumers are increasingly prioritizing responsible sourcing when purchasing seafood. Certifications such as ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) and MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) are gaining prominence on retail shelves, signaling transparency and ethical production.

This shift stems from:

Heightened environmental awareness

Stricter food safety expectations

A national push for traceable supply chains

Growing concerns over overfishing and biodiversity loss

Retailers and foodservice chains now prefer suppliers offering shrimp with verified traceability—from hatcheries to distribution. This consumer-led movement is encouraging producers and importers to invest in eco-friendly farming methods, digital traceability tools, and internationally recognized sustainability certifications.

2. Advancements in Aquaculture and Shrimp Farming Technologies

Japan is rapidly adopting advanced aquaculture solutions to counter domestic production challenges. Innovations include:

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS): Allow indoor, controlled-environment farming

Biofloc technology: Boosts shrimp growth while reducing water waste

AI-powered monitoring: Tracks water quality, disease risk, and feeding patterns

Improved feed formulations: Increase growth rates and reduce environmental impact

These technologies improve yields, minimize disease outbreaks, and enable consistent year-round production. They also align with Japan’s national priorities of:

Enhancing food security

Reducing dependency on imports

Promoting environmentally sustainable aquaculture

Modern aquaculture is particularly significant as the country grapples with labor shortages and environmental constraints.

3. Strong Import Framework and Modernized Logistics

Japan’s seafood imports rely on well-established partnerships with Southeast Asian exporters. With decades of trade history, these supply chains ensure a stable flow of shrimp into the Japanese market.

Significant upgrades to port infrastructure, cold chains, and logistics systems have strengthened distribution efficiency. Digital supply-chain technologies have further reduced spoilage risks and enhanced traceability.

These developments allow Japan to:

Maintain top-tier quality standards

Handle both frozen and chilled shrimp with precision

Expand variety and product options, from peeled shrimp to pre-cooked packs

This robust import ecosystem remains essential, given the decline in domestic shrimp production.

Challenges in the Japan Shrimp Market

1. Aging Workforce and Severe Labor Shortages

The average age of workers in Japan’s fisheries sector exceeds 60 years, presenting a serious concern for domestic shrimp production. Young workers often avoid the physically demanding and low-margin industry, leading to:

Declining local output

Rising operational costs

Slower adoption of new technologies due to lack of skilled labor

Closure of small, family-run fisheries

While automation and high-tech farming offer some relief, workforce shortages remain a major bottleneck.

2. Price Sensitivity Among Consumers

Despite shrimp’s popularity, many Japanese consumers remain highly price-conscious, especially amid inflation and stagnant wage growth. This sensitivity limits the retail price flexibility for:

Sustainable shrimp

Organic or premium-certified products

High-quality imported varieties

While eco-label demand is rising, price remains a crucial purchasing factor. As a result, retailers struggle to balance costs with consumer expectations, creating pressure on margins across the supply chain.

Japan Shrimp Market Regional Analysis

Tokyo

Tokyo represents Japan’s largest and most dynamic shrimp market. With its massive population, sophisticated consumers, and thriving restaurant scene, shrimp is integral to thousands of eateries—from sushi bars to fast-food outlets.

Key drivers:

Extensive distribution from Toyosu Market, Japan’s largest seafood hub

Demand for high-quality, traceable, and ready-to-eat products

Rising interest in sustainability-certified shrimp

Strong prepared-foods market (bento meals, frozen meals, convenience stores)

Tokyo sets consumption trends that influence shrimp pricing and demand nationwide.

Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe)

The Kansai region boasts unique culinary traditions where shrimp plays a major role in dishes such as:

Takoyaki and okonomiyaki

Kaiseki cuisine

Izakaya specialties

Osaka—a major commercial hub—handles substantial import volumes and supports a vibrant foodservice industry. Kansai consumers prioritize taste, affordability, and freshness, while sustainability awareness grows steadily.

Aichi (Nagoya)

Aichi is a crucial inland distribution center thanks to its strategic geographic positioning. Its strong logistics and cold-chain systems support demand across central Japan.

Local consumption is driven by:

Restaurant demand

Supermarkets and convenience store chains

Processed shrimp manufacturers

Aichi plays a key intermediary role in Japan’s national seafood supply chain.

Japan Shrimp Trade Performance: Exports and Imports

Exports

In 2023, Japan ranked 40th globally in exporting prepared or preserved shrimp and prawns, with total exports reaching US$ 4.08 million.

Top export destinations include:

Hong Kong – $2.44M

United States – $349k

Singapore – $272k

Indonesia – $182k

Chinese Taipei – $168k

Japan’s shrimp exports remain modest due to limited domestic production.

Imports

Japan is the second-largest global importer of prepared or preserved shrimp and prawns, purchasing US$ 637 million worth of products in 2023.

Top suppliers include:

Thailand – $242M

Vietnam – $230M

Indonesia – $83.2M

China – $39.9M

India – $13.8M

Strong import relationships ensure continuous supply despite domestic constraints.

Market Segmentations

By Species

L. vannamei

P. monodon

M. rosenbergii

Others

By Size Category

<15

15–20

21–25

26–30

31–40

41–50

51–60

61–70

70

By Product Form

Breaded

Cooked

Peeled

Green/Head-off

Green/Head-on

Other Forms

By Cities

Tokyo

Kansai

Aichi

Kanagawa

Saitama

Hyogo

Chiba

Hokkaido

Fukuoka

Shizuoka

Key Companies Covered

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

Company insights include:

Overview

Key Personnel

Recent Developments

SWOT Analysis

Revenue Analysis

Final Thoughts

The Japan Shrimp Market is entering a transformative decade driven by sustainability, innovation, and evolving consumer preferences. With seafood central to Japanese culture, shrimp’s popularity will continue to rise—particularly as healthier eating habits and modern convenience foods proliferate.

Technology-enabled aquaculture, enhanced traceability, and strong import networks will define the industry’s future, while workforce shortages and consumer price sensitivity remain key hurdles. As Japan moves toward a more sustainable food ecosystem, opportunities will emerge for both domestic producers and international suppliers who can meet the country’s rigorous safety and quality standards.