Japan Salmon Market

Market Overview:

Japan salmon market size reached 70.4 Thousand Tons in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach 96.8 Thousand Tons by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3% during 2025-2033. The health benefits offered by the product, culinary versatility of salmon, increasing western influence, promotion of Japanese seafood abroad, adoption of sustainable farming practices, increased affordability, growing health-conscious population, and cultural significance of salmon represent some of the key factors driving the market.

Salmon is a type of fish known for its distinctive pink or orange flesh and delicious taste. It is a popular seafood choice in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Salmon is found in both freshwater and saltwater environments, and it is known for its remarkable life cycle. These fish are born in freshwater rivers and streams, where they hatch from eggs laid by adult salmon. They then spend a portion of their lives in freshwater before migrating to the ocean, where they grow and mature. When it's time to reproduce, adult salmon return to the same freshwater streams where they were born, a remarkable navigational feat. Salmon is renowned for its flavor and nutritional value. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Japan Salmon Market Trends:

Salmon is widely recognized for its health benefits. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to promote heart health, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and improve cognitive function. As health-conscious consumers seek nutritious food options, the reputation of salmon as a healthy choice has boosted its popularity in Japan. Additionally, the versatility of salmon in the food industry makes it a favorite among Japanese consumers. It can be prepared in various ways, including sashimi, sushi, grilled, or as part of traditional dishes like salmon teriyaki. Its adaptability to different cooking styles has made it a staple in Japanese cuisine. Other than this, the food culture of Japan has been influenced by Western cuisine, due to which, dishes like salmon sushi rolls and salmon burgers have gained popularity, appealing to a broader range of tastes. Besides this, the adoption of sustainable salmon farming practices has ensured a consistent supply of high-quality salmon in the Japanese market. These practices prioritize environmental responsibility and have contributed to consumer confidence in the quality of the product. In line with this, as production and distribution have improved, salmon has become more affordable for a wider range of consumers. This accessibility has driven up consumption levels within Japan. Furthermore, the Japanese government and seafood industry have actively promoted Japanese seafood, including salmon, in international markets. This has increased awareness about Japanese salmon products and led to higher demand both domestically and globally. Moreover, salmon also holds cultural significance in Japan, with various regions celebrating annual salmon festivals and rituals. These factors are expected to create a favorable market outlook in the upcoming years.

Japan Salmon Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country level for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, species, product type, and distribution channel.

Type Insights:

• Farmed
• Wild Captured

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes farmed and wild captured.

Species Insights:

• Atlantic
• Pink
• Chum/Dog
• Coho
• Sockeye
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the species have also been provided in the report. This includes atlantic, pink, chum/dog, coho, sockeye, and others.

Product Type Insights:

• Frozen
• Fresh
• Canned
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type. This includes frozen, fresh, canned, and others.

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Foodservice
• Retail

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel have also been provided in the report. This includes foodservice and retail.

Regional Insights:

• Kanto Region
• Kansai/Kinki Region
• Central/ Chubu Region
• Kyushu-Okinawa Region
• Tohoku Region
• Chugoku Region
• Hokkaido Region
• Shikoku Region

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Kanto Region, Kansai/Kinki Region, Central/ Chubu Region, Kyushu-Okinawa Region, Tohoku Region, Chugoku Region, Hokkaido Region, and Shikoku Region.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

Latest News and Developments:

• In April 2025, Gin no Sara, Japan's largest sushi delivery chain, added land-based farmed steelhead, branded as "Mirai Salmon," to its menu through a collaboration with Nichimo Corporation. The fish is farmed at a recirculating aquaculture system in Fukuoka Prefecture. A limited-edition tasting set featuring Mirai Salmon was launched on March 17, 2025, priced at JPY 1,717.
• In February 2025, Soul of Japan, a land-based salmon project backed by 8F Asset Management, secured an additional $110 million in funding. The financing will support the construction of a 10,000-metric-ton Atlantic salmon farm in Tsu City, Japan, with the first harvest expected in mid-2027.
• In October 2024, Marubeni Corporation officially launched sales of Japan's first land-farmed Atlantic salmon, branded "FUJI ATLANTIC SALMON." The salmon was produced through a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), reducing CO₂ emissions by 57,000 tons annually. Marubeni aimed to expand sales and explore export opportunities for the sustainable product.
• In September 2024, Proximar Seafood completed its first commercial harvest of Atlantic salmon at Japan's first land-based salmon farm, located at the foot of Mount Fuji. The company launched the "Fuji Atlantic Salmon" brand, aiming to provide high-quality locally produced salmon.
• In August 2024, FRD Japan, a startup based in Saitama, introduced a water-efficient, land-based salmon farming system near Tokyo. Using unique filtration technology, the company aimed to supply fresh, never-frozen salmon to meet Japan's high demand, particularly for sushi.
• In June 2024, Izumisawa Suisan in Kamaishi, Japan, became the first commercial farm to receive Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification for its cherry salmon production. The certification recognized the farm’s environmentally responsible practices and positions the farm for potential exports to European markets.

Japan Salmon Market Report Coverage:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Japan salmon market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Japan salmon market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Japan salmon industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.