Japan Seeds Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report - Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

Japan Seeds Market Share

Market Insights by Type

Conventional seeds dominate the market due to consumer preferences, government policies, and strict regulatory controls on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Japan’s agricultural tradition places a high value on the natural integrity of crops, with consumers often favoring non-GMO and organically grown produce. As a result, conventional seeds are widely used for staple crops like rice, wheat, and vegetables. In 2020, over 90% of seeds used in Japanese agriculture were conventional. Furthermore, country’s organic food market is driving conventional seeds demand growth in Japan, suited for organic farming methods. Additionally, high-value crops like strawberries, Yubari melons, and tomatoes rely on non-GMO varieties to maintain their distinct taste and appearance, which are crucial in Japan’s premium produce culture. 

Genetically modified seeds represent a smaller portion of seed market due to strict regulations and public skepticism about GMOs. Japan has strict approval procedures for GM seeds, and only a limited number of GM crops are permitted for cultivation. As per Japan seeds market statistics of 2021, Japan has approved only 8 genetically modified crops for food use, with GM seeds being restricted to feed crops such as soybeans, corn, and canola, which are mostly imported rather than grown domestically. In addition, studies demonstrate that over 60% of Japanese consumers express concerns about the safety of GM foods, which influences farmers' decision to avoid GM seed varieties for food crops.

Market Insights by Crop Type

The raw crop segment, which includes staple crops like rice, wheat, and soybeans, plays a critical role in Japan seeds market development. Rice remains the dominant staple crop, with approximately 7.5 million metric tons of rice produced annually.  Moreover, the government ensures the use of premium rice seeds, such as Koshihikari, which is known for its quality and taste. However, the cultivation of raw crops is limited by shrinking agricultural land and labor shortages, impacting overall demand for seeds in this segment. For crops like soybeans and corn, Japan is heavily reliant on imports as the country produces only about 250,000 metric tonnes annually, which meets only around 20% of domestic demand.

Meanwhile, Japan produces over 14 million metric tons of vegetables annually, with key crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and spinach. For example, Japan produces around 800,000 metric tons of tomatoes and 500,000 metric tons of cucumbers each year. Vegetable production is also supported by the rise of vertical farming and urban agriculture, which has created a positive seed demand forecast in Japan. In addition, the growing trend toward organic farming, further boosts the demand for high-quality vegetable seeds that support sustainable and pesticide-free cultivation.

Market Insights by Treatment

Treated seeds form a significant part of the Japanese seeds market as these seeds are widely used in commercial farming to improve germination rates, enhance crop resilience, and boost yields. For crops such as rice and vegetables, treated seeds can reduce crop loss, particularly given Japan's reliance on typhoons and unpredictable weather patterns. In the rice sector, processed seeds contribute to higher productivity, with Japan producing approximately 7.5 million metric tonnes of rice annually, despite challenges such as declining farmland. Additionally, the demand for treated seeds is increasing as farmers seek more reliable harvests amid climate change, particularly for key crops such as wheat and soybeans, where pest resistance is a priority. Untreated seeds, however, are in demand primarily for organic farming and small-scale cultivation. According to Japan seeds industry analysis, untreated seeds are less commonly used in large-scale farming due to their sensitivity to pests and diseases, limiting their market share compared to treated seeds.

Market Insights by Trait

The market is bifurcated into herbicide tolerance and insect resistance based on trait. Herbicide tolerance is an inherent trait that enables a plant to survive treatment with glyphosate-based herbicides, making weed management easier while being compatible no-till methods. Examples of herbicide-tolerant crops include soybean, cotton, and canola. On the other hand, insect resistance is engineered in genetically modified seeds to protect against harmful pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi without the need for external pesticide treatments, thus reducing pollution. These traits make the seeds highly desirable amongst cultivators, leading to their increased demand in the Japan seeds market.

However, in Japan, where strict regulations limit GM crop cultivation, insect-resistant seeds are not yet widely used for food crops. Japan does, however, import GM crops like corn and soybeans for animal feed. In 2021, Japan imported over 15 million metric tonnes of corn, much of it genetically modified. Recent news also highlights that the Japanese government is cautiously exploring biotechnology advancements to address food security concerns amidst climate change. This could pave the way for increased adoption of insect-resistant traits in domestically cultivated crops.

Japan Seeds Market Report Snapshots

Japan Seeds Market Size

Japan Seeds Market Growth

Japan Seeds Market Share

Japan Seeds Companies