Japan’s seafood consumption has plummeted to its lowest level on record, with annual per capita consumption decreasing from 40.2 kilograms in fiscal 2001 to just 22 kilograms in fiscal 2022, according to a white paper from the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry. This significant decline was highlighted in the fiscal 2023 report approved by the government during a Cabinet meeting.
Decline in Seafood Consumption
Since peaking in 2001, seafood consumption has steadily fallen. Concurrently, meat consumption has surged, reaching 34 kilograms per person in fiscal 2022. This shift in dietary preferences underscores a growing preference for meat over fish among the Japanese population.
The decline in seafood purchases is evident in the data: fresh seafood purchases dropped to 6,368 grams in 2023, nearly half the 12,920 grams purchased in 2004.
Reasons for the Shift
A survey conducted by the ministry revealed several reasons for this dietary shift. The most common reasons for increased meat consumption and decreased seafood consumption included:
Family preference for meat: 45.9%
Higher cost of seafood: 42.1%
Difficulty in cooking fish: 38%
These factors indicate both economic considerations and changing culinary habits among Japanese households.
Challenges in the Fishing Industry
The fishing industry in Japan is grappling with a labor shortage and an aging workforce. In 2022, the industry employed 123,100 people, a steep decline from the 238,300 workers in 2003. Moreover, 37.7% of these workers are aged 65 or older, and there were only 1,691 new workers in fiscal 2022.
The white paper suggests that the labor shortage is partly due to the children of fishing families opting out of the industry, influenced by unstable incomes and evolving perspectives on life and work.
Efforts to Address the Decline
The agriculture ministry has emphasized the need to promote the benefits of eating fish and shellfish to reverse the declining trend in seafood consumption. Additionally, there is a noted interest in the fishing industry among people from urban areas. The ministry stresses the importance of securing new workers to sustain the industry in the future.
In summary, the decline in seafood consumption and the concurrent rise in meat consumption reflect broader economic, social, and cultural shifts in Japan. Addressing these challenges will require targeted efforts to promote the benefits of seafood and attract new talent to the fishing industry.