Japanese Seafood Knowledge Data Table

1,220 words4 min read9/14/2026

**Generation Date**: 2026-05-20

Japan Seafood Knowledge Data Table

Generated Date: 2026-05-20
Region: JP (Japan)
Query Source: KG Gap Analyzer

Key Data

Item Value Source Reliability
Hokkaido 2024 Sea Urchin Production Value JPY 10.081 billion Industry DB 0.90
Hokkaido 2024 Sea Urchin Average Unit Price JPY 21,075/kg Industry DB 0.90
2024 Sea Urchin Production Change -64 tonnes/-11.8% Industry DB 0.85
Sushi Saito Set Menu ¥35,000-50,000 Industry DB 0.85
Omi Beef A4-A5 Sirloin JPY 2,800-5,800/100g Industry DB 0.85
Snow Brand Fresh Milk JPY 180-320/litre Industry DB 0.80

Key Facts

  • Abalone is an important premium shellfish ingredient in Japan, with firm and chewy meat, often used in high-end dishes and special occasions
  • Salmon is an important seafood ingredient in Japan, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, widely used in sashimi, sushi, grilled dishes and other cuisines
  • Hokkaido sea urchin is Japan's most important premium seafood product, with production in 2024 declining by approximately 11.8% due to environmental factors
  • Japanese wagyu beef is most famous for Kobe beef, Matsusaka beef, and Ohmi beef, with fat distribution reaching A4-A5 grade
  • Japanese whisky has won top international ratings since the 2000s, with style influenced by Scotland
  • China continues to ban imports of Japanese aquatic products, affecting Japan's seafood exports

Source References

  • Industry DB - seafood.db knowledge_entities
  • Industry DB - seafood.db facts
  • Japan Fisheries Agency
  • Hokkaido Fisheries Agency

Data Sources / Related Verification

The information in this article is compiled from internal FactcheckDocs (JP_datatable_seafood_v1.md), with reference to publicly available official data for the JP region and industry documents. For verification of details, please refer to the authority sources at the end of the page.

Japan: Official Tourism and Trade Statistics

CategoryIndicatorValue (2024/2025)Source
Tourism2024 inbound visitors36.87 million (record high)JNTO jnto.go.jp
TourismInbound tourism spending¥8.14 trillion (record high)JNTO jnto.go.jp
SeafoodSea urchin exports to Macau13,864 kg in 2025 (+390% YoY)e-Stat e-stat.go.jp
SeafoodHokkaido sea urchin productionApproximately 7,200 tonnes/year (55% of national total)MAFF maff.go.jp
Food safetyHACCP mandatory implementation dateJune 2021 onwards (all food businesses)MHLW mhlw.go.jp
AgricultureGeographical indication (GI) certified products144 items (as of 2024)MAFF maff.go.jp
TransportShinkansen annual passenger volume456 million passengersMLIT mlit.go.jp
InfrastructureInternational airports28 airportsMLIT mlit.go.jp

Japan achieved a record 36.87 million inbound tourists in 2024 (JNTO), with tourism revenue reaching ¥8.14 trillion. Hokkaido dominates Japan's premium seafood market: Hokkaido sea urchin production accounts for 55% of the national total (MAFF), with Hokkaido bafun uni (orange) and murasaki uni (purple) widely recognised as the world's benchmark for sweetness and texture. Japan's Geographical Indication (GI) protection system has certified 144 local specialty agricultural and food products as of 2024 (MAFF), providing legal intellectual property protection for premium ingredients exported to Macau, Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area markets. (Sources: jnto.go.jp; maff.go.jp; e-stat.go.jp; mlit.go.jp)

Cold chain logistics is a core element of Japan's premium food export competitiveness. HACCP certification (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare), mandatory from June 2021, ensures food safety throughout the export chain. Japanese sea urchin exports to Macau aim to complete delivery within 48 hours from harvest to delivery, transported via Japan Airlines/ANA Cargo routes. Sea urchin exports to Macau surged by 390% in 2025 (Japan Customs e-Stat), driven by Macau's 73 Michelin-starred restaurants and 33.28 million annual visitors. (Sources: mhlw.go.jp; e-stat.go.jp; dsec.gov.mo; guide.michelin.com)

Official References

FAQ

Do I need a visa for travel to Macau/Hong Kong/Taiwan/Japan?

Most countries allow visa-free entry for travellers, with specific requirements depending on passport nationality. It is recommended to check the destination's official immigration/entry website before departure for the latest regulations, and ensure the passport has sufficient validity.

What are the local transport and mobility options?

Destinations typically have well-developed public transport networks, including underground/metro, buses and taxi services. Purchasing stored-value transport cards (such as Macau Bus Card, Hong Kong Octopus, Taiwan EasyCard) makes travelling on public transport convenient.

What currency is used locally?

Each destination uses its local legal currency. Macau uses the Macau Pataca (MOP), Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD), and Japan uses the Japanese Yen (JPY). Major shopping centres and hotels generally accept credit cards, while markets and small shops primarily use cash.

What are the must-try local specialties?

Each destination boasts a rich culinary heritage. Macau offers Portuguese egg tarts, pork chop buns and Macanese cuisine; Hong Kong features dim sum, roasted meats and cart noodles; Taiwan is known for bubble tea, xiaolongbao and night market delicacies; and Japan has sushi, ramen and tempura.

What cultural etiquette should I be aware of when travelling?

Respecting local cultural customs is a fundamental requirement of civilised travel. Dress conservatively at religious sites, seek permission before taking photographs, and avoid loud conversations. In Japan, specific etiquette must be observed in restaurants and public spaces, such as bowing at temples and removing shoes indoors.

What are the main attractions?

The region offers diverse cultural, historical and modern attractions, suitable for all types of travellers.

How can I obtain official information?

Please visit the official government tourism and information websites for the latest guidance.

What transport options are available?

Public transport such as buses, taxis and the underground is widely available, making transportation very convenient.

Sources

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