Japan Shrimp Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

Japan Shrimp Market Overview

The Japan Shrimp Market continues to be one of the most significant segments within the country’s expansive seafood industry, supported by strong consumer demand, a deeply rooted culinary tradition, and a sophisticated import and distribution ecosystem. According to Renub Research, the market is expected to grow from US$ 3,173.52 million in 2024 to US$ 4,583.80 million by 2033, registering a CAGR of 4.17% during 2025–2033.

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Shrimp holds a central place in Japanese cuisine, featuring prominently in sushi, tempura, bento meals, and processed foods sold across supermarkets and convenience stores. While Japan once relied more heavily on domestic shrimp fishing, declining wild catches and sustainability concerns have shifted the market toward imports and technologically advanced aquaculture. Today, Japan is one of the world’s largest shrimp importers, sourcing most of its supply from Southeast Asian nations such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and India.

Beyond taste and tradition, consumer preferences are evolving. Health awareness, ethical sourcing, and traceability now strongly influence purchasing decisions. These factors, combined with advances in aquaculture technology and supportive government policies, are reshaping the Japanese shrimp industry into a modern, sustainability-focused market.

Japan Shrimp Industry Outlook

Japan consumes over 200,000 tons of shrimp annually, underscoring its importance in daily diets and foodservice operations. Although domestic production exists—particularly for premium varieties like kuruma ebi (Japanese tiger prawn)—imports dominate overall supply due to cost efficiency and consistent availability.

Shrimp is widely regarded as a low-calorie, high-protein seafood rich in omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants, making it attractive to Japan’s aging population and health-conscious younger consumers alike. At the same time, innovations in aquaculture, cold-chain logistics, and processing have improved quality, safety, and shelf life.

The industry also benefits from Japan’s advanced trade infrastructure. Modern ports, cold storage facilities, and digital supply chain systems ensure imported shrimp reaches consumers quickly while meeting strict food safety and quality standards.

Key Factors Driving Japan Shrimp Market Growth

1. Rising Demand for Sustainable and Traceable Seafood

Sustainability has moved from a niche concern to a mainstream expectation in Japan’s seafood market. Consumers increasingly prefer shrimp certified by organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), which guarantee responsible fishing and farming practices.

Retailers and restaurants now prioritize suppliers that can provide full traceability—from hatchery or fishing ground to retail shelf. This shift is driving investments in digital tracking systems, blockchain-based verification, and eco-friendly aquaculture methods. As a result, sustainability credentials have become a competitive advantage rather than an optional feature.

2. Technological Innovation in Aquaculture

Japan’s shrimp industry is embracing advanced aquaculture technologies to boost productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Systems such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and biofloc technology help conserve water, reduce waste, and control disease outbreaks.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and IoT-enabled sensors are increasingly used to monitor shrimp health, feeding efficiency, and water quality in real time. These innovations improve yield consistency, lower mortality rates, and reduce reliance on antibiotics. Collectively, technology adoption supports Japan’s broader goals of food security, environmental stewardship, and reduced dependence on imports.

3. Strong Import Networks and Supply Chain Efficiency

Japan’s shrimp imports are underpinned by long-standing trade relationships with Southeast Asian suppliers. Continuous upgrades to port infrastructure, cold storage, and logistics systems ensure that both frozen and chilled shrimp maintain freshness and quality throughout transit.

Digital inventory management and improved transportation networks have reduced spoilage and enhanced transparency. These supply chain efficiencies allow Japanese retailers and foodservice operators to offer a wide variety of shrimp products year-round, meeting diverse consumer preferences.

Challenges in the Japan Shrimp Market

Labor Shortages and Aging Workforce

One of the most pressing challenges facing Japan’s shrimp industry is labor scarcity. The average age of workers in fisheries and aquaculture exceeds 60, and younger generations show limited interest in physically demanding, rural-based jobs.

While automation and smart farming technologies offer long-term solutions, labor shortages currently slow the pace of modernization. Small-scale farms, in particular, struggle to maintain operations as experienced workers retire without replacements.

Consumer Price Sensitivity

Despite shrimp’s popularity, Japanese consumers remain highly price-conscious. Rising living costs, inflationary pressures, and stagnant wage growth make households cautious about spending on premium or sustainably certified shrimp.

Producers and retailers face a delicate balance: absorbing higher input and import costs while keeping prices competitive. This sensitivity can limit growth in high-value shrimp segments, even as awareness of sustainability and food safety continues to rise.

Japan Shrimp Market Regional Analysis

Tokyo Shrimp Market

Tokyo represents the largest and most influential shrimp market in Japan. Its dense population, high disposable incomes, and vibrant restaurant culture drive substantial demand. Shrimp is a staple ingredient across sushi bars, ramen shops, izakayas, and ready-to-eat meals sold in convenience stores.

The presence of major wholesale hubs such as Toyosu Market strengthens Tokyo’s role as a pricing and distribution benchmark for the entire country. Demand for pre-cooked, peeled, and sustainably sourced shrimp is particularly strong, reflecting urban consumers’ preference for convenience and transparency.

Kansai Shrimp Market

The Kansai region—centered around Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe—is another major consumption hub. Known for its diverse culinary heritage, Kansai incorporates shrimp into dishes such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and traditional kaiseki cuisine.

Osaka’s role as a commercial center supports robust imports and wholesale distribution. Consumers in Kansai value taste, freshness, and affordability, while interest in sustainability continues to grow. Although domestic production is limited, strong logistics ensure stable market expansion.

Aichi Shrimp Market

Aichi Prefecture, anchored by Nagoya, plays a critical role in shrimp distribution and processing. Its strategic location and well-developed ports facilitate efficient inland distribution. Shrimp is widely consumed both at home and across the region’s extensive foodservice sector.

Aichi also contributes to packaging and processing activities, adding value to imported shrimp products. While local production is modest, the region’s logistical importance makes it an essential link in Japan’s shrimp supply chain.

Japan Shrimp Exports and Imports

Japan’s shrimp trade reflects its position as a major consumer market rather than a production hub.

Exports (2023):

Japan exported US$ 4.08 million worth of prepared or preserved shrimp and prawns, ranking 40th globally. Key export destinations included Hong Kong, the United States, Singapore, Indonesia, and Chinese Taipei.

Imports (2023):

Japan imported US$ 637 million worth of prepared or preserved shrimp and prawns, making it the second-largest importer globally. Major suppliers were Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, and India.

This trade balance highlights Japan’s reliance on imports to satisfy domestic demand while exporting smaller volumes of value-added products.

Market Segmentation Overview

By Species

Litopenaeus vannamei

Penaeus monodon

Macrobrachium 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

Competitive Landscape and Company Analysis

The Japan shrimp market features a mix of domestic and international players, all focusing on quality assurance, sustainability, and supply reliability. Key companies covered in the market 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

Each company is analyzed based on overview, key personnel, recent developments, SWOT analysis, and revenue performance.

Final Thoughts

The Japan Shrimp Market is poised for steady and resilient growth through 2033, supported by strong consumer demand, advanced logistics, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and technology. While challenges such as labor shortages and price sensitivity persist, continued innovation in aquaculture and supply chain management is expected to mitigate these risks.

As Japan balances tradition with modern food values, shrimp remains a cornerstone of its seafood culture. For producers, exporters, and investors, the market offers long-term opportunities grounded in quality, transparency, and responsible sourcing—key pillars shaping the future of Japan’s seafood industry.