Why prawns are Japan's most resilient seafood sector in 2025

Why prawns are Japan's most resilient seafood sector in 2025

According to a research report published by Decision Advisors & Consulting, The Japan Edible Prawns Market Size is expected to grow at a 4.7% CAGR from 2025 to 2035 and reach a significant share by 2035.

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Key Species & Delicacies

The Japanese market distinguishes strictly between high-end "Ebi" (Prawns) and mass-market shrimp:

• Kuruma Ebi (Japanese Tiger Prawn): The "Gold Standard." Mostly wild-caught or high-end aquaculture, prized for sushi and premium tempura.
• Whiteleg Shrimp (L. vannamei): The dominant species for mass consumption due to its versatility in frozen and processed meals.
• Black Tiger Shrimp: Popular in the foodservice industry for its large size and firm texture.
• Amaebi (Sweet Shrimp): Essential for sashimi, often imported from cold-water regions like Canada or Russia.

Major Industry Drivers

• Traditional Culinary Roots: Shrimp is a core ingredient in staple dishes like Sushi, Sashimi, and Tempura.
• Aging Population & Convenience: A shift toward "Ready-to-Eat" (RTE) and "Ready-to-Cook" (RTC) products. Peeled, deveined, and pre-breaded shrimp are seeing the highest growth in supermarkets.
• The Health Trend: Prawns are marketed as a low-calorie, high-protein "superfood" rich in Omega-3s and antioxidants like astaxanthin.
• Smart Aquaculture: To reduce import dependency, Japan is investing in Land-Based Aquaculture Systems and AI-driven feeding technologies.

Leading Market Players

The market is consolidated among a few "titans" who manage massive global supply chains:

• Maruha Nichiro: One of the world's largest seafood companies.
• Nissui (Nippon Suisan Kaisha): A leader in both frozen foods and aquaculture technology.
• Kyokuyo: Known for high-quality frozen seafood and processed items.
• Aeon Co.: A major retail player that influences the market through its "TopValu" sustainable seafood lines.

Trends to Watch in 2025

• Sustainability Branding: Increased consumer demand for MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) and ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certifications.
• Digital Traceability: Use of blockchain to track a prawn from a farm in Southeast Asia to a dinner plate in Tokyo.
• Premiumization: High-income urban consumers are increasingly seeking "boutique" wild-caught varieties as a status symbol.

Read More: https://www.decisionsadvisors.com/reports/japan-edible-prawns-market