IS JAPAN READY FOR A GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS?

The truth is, Japan is in trouble.

A recent study published in Nature Food has exposed a global gap between what countries produce and what their people should be eating. Using the WWF’s Livewell diet - a sustainable, health-focused model - as a benchmark, the study assessed how self-sufficient nations really are when it comes to feeding their own populations. Out of 186 countries analyzed, only Guyana met the recommended intake for all seven key food groups.

So, where does Japan stand?

Not great.

Japan: Highly Developed, Heavily Dependent

Japan is a technological and economic powerhouse, but it’s surprisingly fragile when it comes to food security. The country ranks low in food self-sufficiency, producing only around 38% of its caloric needs domestically. According to the study, Japan fails to meet self-sufficiency targets for several essential food groups, especially vegetables, dairy, legumes, and seafood. Despite its rich culinary culture, Japan’s heavy reliance on imports makes it one of the most food-insecure wealthy nations in the world.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Japan is relatively self-sufficient in rice and some root vegetables.

• It has highly developed food processing, storage, and transportation systems.

• Consumer awareness around food waste and healthy diets is improving.

Weaknesses:

• Vegetable and fruit self-sufficiency is dangerously low.

• Domestic dairy and pulse production can’t meet demand.

• Over 60% of food is imported, including critical items like wheat, soybeans, and fish.

• Japan depends heavily on just a few trade partners, making it vulnerable to global disruptions.

  
  

What Happens if Trade Stops?

Think COVID-19, think war in Ukraine, think climate disasters. Japan is walking a thin line. If global trade slows down - or if key exporting countries start prioritizing their own populations - Japan could face severe shortages of essential food items. In other words, the sushi might still be there, but there might be no fish to put on it.

What Should Japan Do?

1. Invest in Diversified Agriculture: Shift focus from monoculture rice production to more diverse crops—especially vegetables, legumes, and fruits.

2. Modernize Small-Scale Farming: Support younger farmers and adopt smart agriculture tech to revitalize the aging farming population.

3. Rethink Urban Spaces: Promote vertical farming and community gardens in cities to bring fresh food closer to people.

4. Food Trade Diversification: Reduce overreliance on a handful of countries. More diverse partnerships equal more resilience.

5. Public Awareness: Encourage diets that align more closely with what can be sustainably grown in Japan. National pride in local food must be matched with actual consumption.

   
   

Conclusion:

Japan’s future food security isn’t just a farming issue - it’s a national survival issue. In an unstable world, nations that can feed themselves will thrive. Others will beg, barter, or suffer. Japan has the tools, knowledge, and resources to change course. The question is: will it act before the next crisis hits?

Thanks for reading. Abrazos.

Diego Rojas