Summary

The contributing authors of Understanding the Japanese Food and Agrimarket discuss broad forces that affect markets in Japan and specific situations faced in marketing grain, livestock, and seafood products; fruits; vegetables; and wood products. Many of the contributors speak and read Japanese and have lived in Japan for extensive periods; they are able to give deep insights into how and why the Japanese consumption and distribution system behaves as it does. They draw on their expertise to fully explore various Japanese food and fiber markets. As they demystify the Japanese market, they illustrate for readers several systematic approaches to mastering the Japanese food and fiber markets.

Readers will discover that effective long-term marketing strategies in Japan must be based on sound analytical information. The contributors provide such needed material with chapters on items as diverse as wine, grain products, beef, and fruits and vegetables. Some of the specific topics covered include:

• changes in Japanese food consumption
• Japanese food distribution system
• demand for beef products in Japan
• demand for vegetables and vegetable seeds
• Japanese wine market
• demand for bakery products
• new food products for the Japanese market
• developing trade relations in wood products
  
  Executives of commodity associations or firms exporting foods to Japan will find the general sections most interesting as well as chapters specific to their products. Teachers and students exploring exporting to the Japanese market will be intrigued by the various dimensions of the “multifaceted” nature and opportunities of the Japanese market.