Healthy Homes Asia

Organic products in Japan refer to the cultivation of vegetables based on specific conditionality imposed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (No-rin Suisansho). MAFF have employed an organic product-specific guideline, JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard) that sets a benchmark between what is considered ‘organic' and those that are not.

MAFF categorises Organic Produces as those that have not used Genetically Modified seeds, have been raised in soil clean from agricultural chemicals and pesticides for at least three consecutive years in the past, and the produces are raised in a manner that lowers the risk of harming the environment.

What to look for (certification and labels)

Producers of organic products who have been tested by MAFF Organic Products are given certification as producers of organic products, and are able to display the JAS mark label on their packaging.

Using ambiguous terms such as ‘Organic' or ‘Yuuki' (organic in Japanese) on packaging without the JAS certification is against the law.

Growing interest

Over the last several years, interest in organic farming has soared in Japan where it has become a major market for new businesses that specialises in organic products. There are now various types of restaurants, take-out shops and cooking schools that focus on bringing out the natural and distinctive flavours of organic vegetables.

Furthermore, the awareness of organic farming has seen new types of holiday packages for young people that allow them to experience farming and consuming the products in regional areas of Japan.

Agricultural festivals across Japan has become more popular. With the self-sufficiency rate of food production below 40 per cent, the popularity of organic produces is drawing attention to important agendas of Japan's national food security.

Where to buy? In the recent years Japanese people have become more aware of the merits of consuming organic products. In most major supermarkets there are now organic sections available, although the disparity between the demand and supply continues to increase.

A major issue with organic products in Japan is that organic products are mainly consumed in population dense cities rather than regional areas, making it hard for those in the regional areas who wish to buy them in their local shops.

However with the spread of online shopping and mail-order companies, there are many producers that offer delivery services right across Japan, from websites such as the National Organic Product Association (Zenkoku Yuuki Nouhou Renrakukai) and the major Internet Shopping Mart Rakuten.

If you can't find what you need locally, then visit our affiliate store Credence (www.credence.org), which offers a wide organic range including quinoa, brazil nuts and other items not yet commonly found in Asia.