Japan's Low Food Self-Sufficiency Rate and Solutions

Japan faces concerns and criticism every year when its food self-sufficiency rate is announced, due to its poor performance. As of 2021, the total food self-sufficiency rate was 38% in terms of calories and 63% in terms of production value, significantly lower than that of other major advanced nations. A low food self-sufficiency rate signifies heavy reliance on overseas imports, making Japan vulnerable to significant impacts during food crises.

The main reasons behind Japan's low food self-sufficiency rate are attributed to rapid changes in dietary habits, a decline in the agricultural population, and abandoned farmland. Post-war rapid industrialization and Westernization led to a decrease in rice consumption, the staple food, while the demand for meat and bread surged. However, feed required for livestock production largely depends on imports, resulting in a significantly low self-sufficiency rate in the livestock sector. Furthermore, the aging population leading to a decrease in the rural population and abandoned farmland are also considered major contributors to the decline in self-sufficiency.

To overcome this situation, the government and farming households are making various efforts. Firstly, they are exploring ways to enhance productivity and efficiency by utilizing smart agriculture technology. They aim to resolve labor shortages and increase output per unit area through advanced technologies such as IoT sensors, drones, and AI. Secondly, they are promoting the use of domestically produced agricultural products and diversifying domestic production items. The government is promoting the use of products made from domestically produced wheat flour and rice, and providing subsidies to encourage domestic production. Thirdly, they are aiming to improve efficient food utilization by reducing food loss and waste. A substantial amount of food is discarded annually, and reducing this waste can result in significant food savings. Finally, they are promoting rural tourism, farm stays, etc., to enhance the appeal of agriculture and rural areas and boost farm household income.

In addition, efforts are being made to increase exports of Japanese agricultural products through expanding overseas markets. However, prioritizing only food self-sufficiency can lead to the loss of the benefits of international division of labor and trade, hence the need to maintain a proper balance. Ultimately, it is crucial to establish a sustainable food production system suited to Japan's circumstances to ensure national food security.