Home Japan Wagyu Beef Market- Trend Analysis & Forecasts
Japan Wagyu Market Report

Japan Wagyu Beef Market- Trend Analysis & Forecasts

Japan Wagyu beef production reached 165.80 thousand tonnes in 2023, with slaughtering of 506.65 thousand heads of wagyu cattle. Domestically produced Wagyu beef valued at US$ 10.98 billion and out...

Report ID: FNB-011 Mar 2024 135 Pages Status: Published
Sale price $3,250.00
License Type: Single User
Japan Wagyu Market Report

Japan Wagyu Beef Market- Trend Analysis & Forecasts

Japan Wagyu beef production reached 165.80 thousand tonnes in 2023, with slaughtering of 506.65 thousand heads of wagyu cattle. Japan wagyu beef market (domestically produced Wagyu beef) valued at US$ 10.98 billion and out of which the country exported nearly 8 thousand tonnes of Wagyu beef to other countries. In Japan, approximately 40% of consumer demand for beef is fulfilled by domestic production, while the remaining 60% is met through imports from countries like Australia, the USA, and others.


Primary Areas/ Elements of Research & Analysis:

The report offers in-depth and actionable insights into the supply & demand dynamics of the Japan Wagyu Beef Market.

Listed are the variables considered and analyzed in the report:

  • Analysis of the Japan wagyu beef market with respect to supply-demand, growth trends, and trade (export & import) patterns
  • A review of structure, conduct, and performance of the market
  • Historical, estimated, and forecasts of Japan wagyu beef market size in terms of value (US$) and volume (tonnes)
  • Analysis of country wagyu beef trade patterns covering exports, imports, quantities, values, key partners, and trade price trends
  • Detailed mapping of the supply chain, pricing analysis, and regulatory details
  • Competitive landscape analysis, including Japan wagyu beef market mapping and profiling of key companies (Overview, products/services, & core competencies)
  • Assessment of other relevant factors impacting Japan wagyu beef market performance

Detailed sections of the report deliver vital statistics and insights, enabling a clearer view of market dynamics and long-term prospects for Japan wagyu beef.

Market/ Product Overview

Wagyu beef, originating from Japan and derived from four specific breeds (Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Shorthorn, and Japanese Polled), is a premium product globally associated with luxury dining. The Japanese Wagyu beef market has maintained a strong foothold both domestically and internationally due to its superior intramuscular marbling and rigorous production standards. In 2023, domestic production reached ** thousand tonnes, with over 90% coming from Japanese Black cattle, the most sought-after breed for high-grade Wagyu.

Significance of Japan in Global Wagyu Beef Supply Chain

Wagyu, originating from Japan, represents a breed of cattle renowned worldwide for producing premium-quality beef. Japan is renowned for its Wagyu beef, prized for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. The Wagyu beef market in Japan is a significant component of the country's agricultural sector and holds a prominent position in the global beef industry.

Japan stands as a cornerstone in the Wagyu beef global supply chain, setting standards for breeding, husbandry practices, and culinary techniques. Its reputation for producing premium-quality Wagyu beef has made it a leader in the global market, influencing breeding programs and culinary trends worldwide.

Japan Wagyu Beef Supply & Demand Trend

In Japan, Wagyu beef production reflects a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Time-honored breeding practices and meticulous husbandry ensure the renowned quality of Wagyu beef, while modern technologies enhance efficiency. With stringent regulations and certification systems in place, Japanese producers meet increasing global demand while upholding Wagyu's premium reputation. As consumer preferences evolve, Japanese producers are poised to refine their methods, ensuring Wagyu beef maintains its status as a culinary treasure.

In 2022–2023, beef consumption in Japan amounted to 880.43 thousand tonnes (product weight). Japan imported 540.03 thousand tonnes of beef, declined by 3.46% compered to 2021-22, while domestic production increased by 3.96% at 340.40 thousand tonnes. Notably, approximately half of Japan's beef production is sourced from Wagyu breed cattle.

Domestic beef production in Japan satisfies 40% of consumer demand, while the remaining 60% is supplied through imports from countries such as Australia, the USA, and others. In Japan, Wagyu cattle encompass four distinct Japanese breeds: Black, Brown, Shorthorn, and Polled. The Japanese Black strain stands as the predominant breed, constituting over 90% of all cattle in Japan. Presently, the esteemed Wagyu brand extends beyond Japan to include cattle produced in countries like Australia and the USA.

Demand for Wagyu beef is on an upward trajectory, driven by its popularity in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, and gourmet food markets. Additionally, the rise of home cooking enthusiasts seeking premium ingredients has further fueled demand for Wagyu beef.

Japan Wagyu Beef Market Growth Factors

Market Drivers

  • Rising global demand for premium beef, especially in Asia and the Middle East (luxury meat demand).
  • Strong branding and certification systems like A5-grade and regional labels (e.g., Kobe, Kagoshima Wagyu).
  • Post-COVID tourism surge boosting domestic and foodservice demand.
  • Increased government investment in Wagyu promotion.
  • E-commerce and export-focused sales expansion, including to Vietnam and the UAE.
  • Technological innovations in feed and farm management reducing production costs by up to 10%.

Market Restraints

  • Severe labor shortage with 60% of Wagyu farmers aged over 60 years.
  • Export vulnerability due to sanitary bans and geopolitical tensions (e.g., Taiwan ban affecting USD 9 million trade).
  • Limited land availability and aging farming infrastructure constraining scalability.
  • Dependence on long feeding cycles (over 600 days) impacts operational efficiency.

Japan Wagyu Beef Supply Chain Bottlenecks/ Challenges

The Japan Wagyu beef supply chain faces several bottlenecks that can impede the smooth flow of production and distribution. One significant bottleneck lies in the strict regulations governing breeding practices, which aim to preserve the exceptional quality and authenticity of Wagyu beef. These regulations often limit the number of eligible breeding cattle and impose stringent requirements on genetics and lineage.

Another bottleneck arises from the limited availability of premium feed, as Wagyu cattle require a specialized diet to develop the characteristic marbling and flavor profile. Competition for quality feed sources can drive up costs and constrain production capacity. Additionally, the processing stage presents challenges, as maintaining the precise standards of butchering and aging required for Wagyu beef demands skilled labor and specialized facilities.

These bottlenecks within the supply chain require careful management and strategic solutions to ensure the consistent supply of high-quality Wagyu beef to meet growing demand both domestically and internationally.

Japan Wagyu Beef Market Segmentation

Japan’s Wagyu beef production system is deeply integrated and vertically coordinated, ranging from breeding and feedlot operations to slaughterhouses and retail. The supply side relies heavily on small- to medium-scale farms—Japan had ** thousand Wagyu farming households in 2023—each following stringent government-mandated protocols for animal welfare, feed formulation (including rice straw and barley), and hormone-free rearing.

Demand-wise, domestic consumption remained resilient, with high-end restaurants, department stores, and online platforms accounting for over **% of Wagyu retail sales in 2023. Despite a declining population, affluent urban consumers and inbound tourism have driven stable demand, especially in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. The post-pandemic recovery in tourism saw over ** million foreign visitors in 2023, with Wagyu beef ranked among the top culinary experiences for tourists, fueling short-term demand spikes.

On the export front, demand from Southeast Asia grew by **% YoY in 2023, driven by expanding middle classes and luxury retail channels. However, overall supply is constrained by Japan’s limited landmass, aging farmer population, and high production costs, leading to a demand-supply imbalance that supports high market prices—averaging US$ ** per kilogram for A5-grade Wagyu in 2023.

Japan Wagyu Beef Trade (Export & Import) Trend

Japan exported ** thousand tonnes of Wagyu beef in 2023, valued at around US$ ** million, reflecting a **% increase from 2022. Key export markets included the United States (**% share), Hong Kong (**%), Vietnam (**%), Singapore (**%), and the UAE (**%). Japan’s bilateral trade agreements under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) framework, especially with the EU and CPTPP nations, continue to reduce tariffs and streamline export approvals.

While Japan is a major exporter of Wagyu, it also imports some beef for blending and processing. In 2023, Japan imported ** thousand tonnes of beef (mostly from Australia and the U.S.), but imports of Wagyu or Wagyu-cross are restricted under branding protection rules. Import tariffs on foreign beef remain between 25–38.5%, which preserves domestic Wagyu’s market dominance.

Influence of Japan in Global Wagyu Beef Price

The price of Wagyu beef in Japan remains high due to its premium quality and limited supply. Japan holds significant price-setting power in the global market, with its prices often serving as benchmarks for Wagyu beef trading worldwide.

The Japanese government has hesitated to export wagyu beef until it can ascertain its safety. In 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture proposed legislation to criminalize the unauthorized export of wagyu eggs or sperm. This cautious approach stems from the government's desire to safeguard the reputation of wagyu beef, ensuring it maintains its esteemed status as a premium-quality product.

Market Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the Japan Wagyu beef market is characterized by a diverse mix of companies, each vying for market share and prominence in the industry. These companies range from longstanding, traditional producers to newer entrants leveraging innovation and technology. Companies play integral roles at various stages of the Wagyu beef value chain in Japan, contributing to the production, processing, distribution, and marketing of this premium meat product.

Companies involved in on-farm management provide services and expertise to Wagyu cattle producers to optimize herd health, productivity, and welfare. Processing and packing companies operate processing facilities where Wagyu cattle are slaughtered, butchered, and packaged according to strict quality and safety standards. Wholesalers and distributors play a vital role in the distribution of Wagyu beef to retailers, restaurants, and other end-users. They manage logistics, storage, and transportation to ensure timely delivery of fresh and frozen beef products to customers across domestic and international markets.

List of Key Companies in Japan Wagyu Beef Market:

  • Kobe Livestock Co., Ltd.
  • S Foods Inc.
  • Miyazaki Wagyu
  • Matsusaka Beef
  • Starzen Co. Ltd.
  • Ohmi Beef
  • Kagoshima Wagyu
  • Gunma Wagyu
  • Mie Matsusaka meat corporation Co., Ltd.
  • NIKUJILLE
  • Itoham Food Inc. (Sankyomeat Inc.)
  • ZEN-NOH International Corporation

Future Outlook

The future of the Japan Wagyu beef market looks promising, driven by increasing global demand, culinary innovation, and technological advancements in breeding and husbandry practices. However, addressing supply chain challenges and adapting to evolving consumer preferences will be crucial for sustaining growth and competitiveness in the market.

Japan announced its plan to double Wagyu beef cattle output to 300 thousand tons by fiscal year 2035 to boost exports and counter declining domestic demand. This initiative reflects Japan's aim to capitalize on global demand for premium meat products by expanding production capacity and enhancing export capabilities. Achieving this goal will require significant investments in breeding programs, technology, and infrastructure, along with supportive government policies to facilitate market access and promotion. Overall, the plan highlights Japan's strategic vision to sustain agricultural competitiveness and meet evolving consumer preferences worldwide.


Report Coverage

Japan wagyu beef market report covers historical market data from 2015-2023 and projections to 2030. The report also includes supply & demand and trade (import-export) market analysis. The decision matrix analysis helped in identifying the barriers and their implications on the value chain and different factors of relative significance to the Japan wagyu beef market are diligently tracked and their impact closely monitored for short, medium, and long-term market cycles. The report's contents cover an analysis of the aspects involved in the wagyu beef market such as the parent market, the evolution of the industry, innovative technologies in the manufacturing process, supply chain, and profiling of key market players.

Scope of the Report

Report Attributes Details
Historical Years 2015–2022
Base Year 2023
Forecast Period 2024–2030
Units Value (US$ Million) and Volume (Thousand Tonnes)
Report Coverage Production, Consumption, Export, and Import
Segments Covered
  •   ▪ By Breed (Black Wagyu, Brown Wagyu, Shorthorn Wagyu, and Polled Wagyu)
  •   ▪ By Cut Type (Chuck, Brisket, Sirloin, Round, and Others)
  •   ▪ By Type (Domestic Produced and Imported)
  •   ▪ By Sales (Domestic Consumption (Household and Food Service) and Exports)
Geographies Covered Japan
Companies Profiled The market players include, Kobe Livestock Co., Ltd., S Foods Inc., Miyazaki Wagyu, Matsusaka Beef, Starzen Co. Ltd., Ohmi Beef, Kagoshima Wagyu, Gunma Wagyu, Mie Matsusaka Meat Corporation Co., Ltd., NIKUJILLE, Itoham Food Inc. (Sankyomeat Inc.), ZEN-NOH International Corporation, and Others

Research Design

Get your free sample report delivered to your inbox – discover key insights and explore the full depth of our comprehensive report coverage!

Contact us at: sales@statledger.com or Call at: +91-9226-888268

Related Reports

■ USA Wagyu Beef Market – Trend Analysis & Forecast to 2032
■ Australia Wagyu Beef Market – Trend Analysis & Forecast to 2032
■ Indonesia Wagyu Beef Market – Trend Analysis & Forecast to 2032
■ Vietnam Wagyu Beef Market – Trend Analysis & Forecast to 2032

Japan Wagyu Beef Market – Supply & Demand, Trade, and Competitive Landscape Analysis

1. Executive Summary
2. Introduction +

2.1. Objectives & Scope of the Study
2.2. Definitions & Economic Importance
2.3. Research Methodology
2.4. Factors and Decision Matrix Analysis
2.5. Limitations & Challenges

3. Product/ Market Overview +

3.1. Evolution/ Origin & Geographic Suitability
3.2. Processing & Grading
3.3. Regulatory Analysis

4. Japan: Country Profile
5. Global Wagyu Beef Market: An Overview
6. Japan Wagyu Beef Market Growth Factors Analysis +

6.1. Drivers and Restraints Analysis
6.2. Challenges and Opportunities Analysis
6.3. Japan Wagyu Beef Industry SWOT Analysis
6.4. Japan Wagyu Beef Market PESTEL Analysis
6.5. Japan Wagyu Beef Market Porter's Five Forces analysis

7. Japan Wagyu Beef Market: Supply-Demand Analysis +

7.1. Japan Wagyu Beef Production Trend
7.2. Japan Wagyu Beef Processing Trend
7.3. Domestic Consumption
7.4. Import/Export Demand
7.5. Wagyu Beef Supply Chain Analysis
7.6. Wagyu Beef Product Variants

8. Japan Wagyu Beef Market: Segmentation Analysis +

8.1. By Breed
    8.1.1. Black Wagyu
    8.1.2. Brown Wagyu
    8.1.3. Shorthorn Wagyu
    8.1.4. Polled Wagyu
8.2. By Cut
    8.2.1. Chuck
    8.2.2. Brisket
    8.2.3. Sirloin
    8.2.4. Round
    8.2.4. Others
8.3. By End-use
    8.3.1. Household
    8.3.2. Food Service
8.4. By Sales
    8.4.1. Domestic Sales
    8.4.2. Exports

9. Japan Wagyu Beef Market: Trade (Export & Import) Analysis +

9.1. Wagyu Beef Export Trend Analysis
9.2. Top 5 Import/Export Destinations/Origins of Japan Wagyu Beef
9.3. Analysis on Countries Importing Wagyu Beef from Japan
9.4. List of Key Companies Exporting Wagyu Beef (Sellers)
9.5. List of Key Companies Importing Wagyu Beef (Overseas Buyers)

10. Japan Wagyu Beef Market: Price Trend Analysis +

10.1. Domestic Price Trend
10.2. Trade Price Trend
10.3. Price Seasonality & Price Pattern Analysis
10.4. Price Events Analysis

11. Competitive Analysis +

11.1. Japan Wagyu Beef Market Mapping
11.2. Company Profiles
    10.2.1. Kobe Livestock Co., Ltd.
    10.2.2. S Foods Inc.
    10.2.3. Miyazaki Wagyu
    10.2.4. Matsusaka Beef
    10.2.5. Starzen Co. Ltd.
    10.2.6. Ohmi Beef
    10.2.7. Kagoshima Wagyu
    10.2.8. Gunma Wagyu
    10.2.9. Mie Matsusaka meat corporation Co., Ltd.
    10.2.10. NIKUJILLE
    10.2.11. Itoham Food Inc. (Sankyomeat Inc.)
    10.2.12. ZEN-NOH International Corporation

*Each company profile includes Company Business Overview, Primary Business Activities, Products Offered, SWOT Analysis, and relevant other relevant details.
12. Conclusion
13. Appendix

Table 1: Japan Wagyu Beef Production Volume (Tonnes) (2010-2030)

Table 2: Japan Wagyu Beef Production, Value (US$) (2010-2030)

Table 3: Japan Wagyu Beef Cattle Population, (2010-2030)

Table 4: Japan Wagyu Beef Market, Demand Volume Details (Volume)

Table 5: Japan Wagyu Beef Production Analysis, by Breed (2010-2022)

Table 6: Japan Wagyu Beef Production Analysis, by Cut (2010-2022)

Table 7: Japan Wagyu Beef Market, By End-use (2015-2025)

Table 8: Japan Wagyu Beef Export Trend, by Value (2010-2030)

Table 9: Japan Wagyu Beef Export Trend, by Volume (2010-2030)

Table 10: Japan Wagyu Beef Export Destinations by Volume (in %share) (2015-2023)

Table 11: Japan Wagyu Beef Export Destinations by Value (in %share) (2015-2023)

Table 12: Top 5 Countries Importing Wagyu Beef from Japan, by Value

Table 13: Top 5 Countries Importing Wagyu Beef from Japan, by Volume

Table 14: Japan Domestic Wagyu Beef Market Price Trend (2010-2030)

Table 15: Japan Wagyu Beef Export Market Price Trend, FoB (2010-2023)

Table 16: USA Wagyu Beef Import Trend (2010-2023)

Table 17: Morocco Wagyu Beef Import Trend (2010-2023)

Table 18: Industry Recent Developments

Table 19: Key Companies involved in Global Wagyu Beef Trade, Processing, and Supply

Figure 1: Wagyu Beef Supply & Demand Trend

Figure 2: Japan Population Dynamics, 2023

Figure 3: Japan Beef Production & Consumption Trend Analysis

Figure 4: Japan: GDP Annual Growth & Exchange Rate Trend

Figure 5: Global Wagyu Beef Market – An Overview

Figure 6: Global and Japan Wagyu Beef Production Trend Comparison

Figure 7: Japan Wagyu Beef Production Trend, 2010-2030 (Volume)

Figure 8: Japan Wagyu Cattle Population Trend, 2010-2030 (Volume)

Figure 9: Japan Wagyu Beef Production Trend, by Breed, 2010-2030  

Figure 10: Japan Domestic Consumption of Wagyu Beef, 2015-2030 (Volume)

Figure 11: Japan Domestic Consumption of Wagyu Beef, Sales Channel, 2015-2030 (Volume)

Figure 12: Japan Wagyu Beef Supply Channel Framework

Figure 13: Wagyu Beef Product Variants Available in the Market

Figure 14: Global Wagyu Beef Production, Volume, 2015-2023

Figure 15: Global Imports of Wagyu Beef, Value (USD Million), 2015-2023

Figure 16: Japan Wagyu Beef Export, Value, 2010-2030

Figure 17: Japan Wagyu Beef Export, Volume, 2010-2030

Figure 18: Japan Wagyu Beef Export Destinations Share (by Volume), 2023

Figure 19: Japan Wagyu Beef Export Trend, by Value & Volume, 2010-2030

Figure 20: Top 5 Countries Importing Wagyu Beef from Japan, %share by Value

Figure 21: Top 5 Countries Importing Wagyu Beef from Japan, %share by Volume

Figure 22: USA Imports of Wagyu Beef, by Value & Volume (2015-2023)

Figure 23: Morocco Imports of Wagyu Beef, by Value & Volume (2015-2023)

Figure 24: Japan Wagyu Beef Price Trend, Annual Average Prices, 2015-2030

Figure 25: Japan Price Trend, Monthly Average Prices, 2015-2023

To request a free sample copy of this report, please confirm the form below