Functional & Health Food

— Latest update: June 2023 —

The Japanese food market was valued at $789 billion in 2020. Japan relies on imports from other countries for the bulk of its food supply. The Japanese market is highly competitive with consumers seeking quality, value, and convenience. One of the growing trends of the last few years is the increase in consumption of functional and healthy food, especially those with a high protein content. The Japanese consumers are focusing more on these sectorial products for various reasons, such as beauty effects and the ongoing transformation in an ageing society. Moreover, while many opportunities can be observed in exporting food to Japan, foreign producers should be extremely careful in meeting the strict requirements demanded by the Japanese law.

GAIN, Japan Exporter Guide – 2018 Exporter Guide, 2020

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Table of Contents

• Overview
• Labelling System and Regulations
  • Food for Special Dietary Uses (FOSDU)
  • Food for Specified Health Use (FOSHU)
  • Food with Nutrient Functional Claims (FNFC) 
  • Dietary Supplements
• Distinction between “Health foods” and “Pharmaceuticals”
• Expert Reports & Webinars
• Further Reading
• Relevant Organisations and Trade Fairs