Japanese ingredients directory

Cultivated medicinal mushroom (Agaricus blazei), introduced from Brazil but commercialised in Japan since the 1980s, where the cultivar has been refined and standardised under the local 'himematsutake' trade name. Major Japanese producers operate indoor cultivation in Mie, Niigata, and Hokkaido. Beta-glucan-rich extracts are positioned for immune-support supplementation domestically (FFC notifications exist) and exported substantially to North American and Asian supplement markets. Important historical caveat — early-2000s heavy-metal compliance concerns drove tighter quality standards that responsible producers have long since addressed.

Red-meat clam (Scapharca broughtonii) — characteristic deep red colour from haemoglobin (uncommon in molluscs). Sendai Bay (Miyagi), Aomori, and Akita are the principal commercial harvest regions. Used as a sushi / sashimi premium classic; the muscular adductor portion is graded by colour and texture. Distinct from existing seafood entries (scallop, abalone, crab, prawn, octopus / squid). Iron-rich profile drives functional positioning beyond cuisine.

Ancient red-pigmented rice variety, historically the original Japanese rice before whitening cultivars dominated. Limited contemporary cultivation in Tsushima (Nagasaki), Tanegashima (Kagoshima), and pockets of Okayama. Often used in ceremonial rice-blends (akagohan), and increasingly as a niche functional-food and storytelling ingredient for export retail. Tannin and proanthocyanidin content distinguishes red rice from black rice (anthocyanin-driven) and white rice. Distinct from kuromai-black-rice and existing rice entries.

A brown seaweed (Sargassum horneri) historically considered nuisance bycatch but now positioned as a premium functional food on the back of fucoxanthin content. Akita, Yamagata and Niigata are the primary commercial production regions. The texture changes dramatically when chopped — releasing soluble dietary fibre that gives akamoku its signature thick, slippery mouthfeel. Used in soups, salads, and increasingly in fucoxanthin-extract supplements for metabolic-health positioning.

Wild-harvest common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) from the Akashi Strait between Hyogo and Awaji Island. The strong tidal currents in the strait produce octopus with markedly firmer, sweeter flesh than other origins. Akashi's takoyaki tradition is anchored in this premium octopus supply. Per-kg pricing is 2-3× imported octopus. Substantial fine-dining and gift-economy positioning. Distinct from existing seafood entries (squid, prawn, crab, scallop).

Premium Akita Prefecture rice cultivar developed 1984 — Japan's third most-cultivated rice variety after Koshihikari and Hitomebore. Distinguished by lighter, less-sticky cooked profile compared to Koshihikari, suiting bento and onigiri applications. Akita produces ~50% of Japan's Akitakomachi; cooperative-controlled cultivation maintains specific Akita-region terroir branding. Distinct from existing rice entries.

Amazake is a traditional Japanese sweet beverage made by fermenting rice with rice koji. Koji enzymes convert rice starch to glucose, producing a naturally sweet, non-alcoholic drink. A separate variant made from sake lees contains low alcohol. Hakkaisan Brewery's 'Kōji dake de tsukutta Amasake' (FFC notification I290) is Japan's first koji-based beverage with dual functional claims via A. oryzae HJ1 strain and koji-derived glucosylceramide. Modern positioning includes 'drinking IV drip' (nomu tenteki) health-food claims.

Sweet red bean paste — the foundational ingredient of Japanese wagashi (mochi, dorayaki, taiyaki, daifuku, manju). Two principal forms: tsubuan (whole-bean texture) and koshian (smooth-strained). Hokkaido azuki (Tokachi-region 'Erimo' cultivar) anchors most commercial production; specialty wagashi producers in Kyoto / Tokyo maintain in-house anko production. Mass-volume retail anko (canned, frozen) supports export wagashi supply chains. Distinct from existing 'azuki-bean' entry (raw bean) and 'tamba-kuromame' (different bean species).

Semi-dried Japanese persimmon — distinct from the harder, fully-dried hoshigaki. Anpo-gaki maintains a soft, jelly-like interior under a lightly-dehydrated exterior. Fukushima's Date city is the recognised heart of anpo-gaki production, with the regional brand 'Date no Anpo-gaki' commanding premium pricing. The semi-dried texture and concentrated sugar (Brix 35+) make it a fine-dining dessert ingredient and a traceable food-craft export. Distinct from existing food entries.

Essential oil from Thujopsis dolabrata, designated as Aomori Prefecture's official tree. Contains ~2% hinokitiol with strong antimicrobial properties.

Glucosylceramide extracted from apple pomace (juice-extraction residue). Developed through Hirosaki University research as an upcycling material that transforms apple processing waste into premium cosmetic and food ingredients.

The first-stage smoked-only katsuobushi — distinct from the fully-aged 'honkarebushi' (existing katsuobushi entry covers the broader category, but arabushi specifically is the un-mold-aged stage). Used widely in everyday Japanese cooking, retail dashi packs, and as the dashi-base of mid-tier Japanese restaurants. Production is concentrated in Makurazaki (Kagoshima), Yaizu (Shizuoka), and Tosa (Kochi). Distinct from honkarebushi premium dashi and existing katsuobushi entries.

Native Japanese herb (Angelica keiskei), endemic to the Izu Islands and the Pacific coast of Honshu. Named 'tomorrow's leaf' for its rapid regrowth (a new leaf typically appears the day after harvest). Functional profile centres on chalcone compounds (xanthoangelol, 4-hydroxyderricin) studied for cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory positioning. Hachijojima (Izu Islands), Tokyo's volcanic islands, has GI-protected status for ashitaba; Yakushima and the Boso Peninsula also produce. Used in supplements, functional teas, and increasingly cosmetic active-ingredient lines.

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment produced primarily by microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis), known for strong antioxidant capacity. Japanese production pioneered by Fuji Chemical Industry and ENEOS uses closed-system microalgae cultivation. Multiple Japanese FFC notifications cite astaxanthin for eye health, skin health, and antioxidant support.

One of Japan's oldest cultivated grains, awa (Setaria italica, foxtail millet) was a staple before rice cultivation became dominant. Iwate, Akita, Nagano and Hokkaido are the principal modern producers. Used in awa-mochi (millet mochi), gokoku (five-grain) blends, and increasingly as a gluten-free, high-protein, high-iron functional grain. Distinct from kibi (proso millet) and hie (barnyard millet) — Japan's traditional millet trio.

Post-fermented tea (post-fermentation distinct from oxidation) produced in the mountainous Awa region of Tokushima. Like goishi-cha, awa-bancha is a rare lactic-acid-bacteria-fermented tea — one of only a handful in Japan. Production by small Awa-region producers in Naka and Kamikatsu involves boiling fresh leaves, pressing into wooden barrels for fermentation, then sun-drying. The brewed tea is markedly low-caffeine, with a distinctive sour, fruity profile. Niche but with substantial collector and natural-fermentation following internationally; Kamikatsu's 'Zero Waste' branded version commands premium pricing.

Cosmetic-grade extract derived from awamori (Okinawan distilled spirit made from indica rice and black koji, Aspergillus awamori). Black koji's distinctive citric-acid metabolism and the long-aging tradition (kūsu, 3+ years) of awamori produce an active-ingredient profile with peptides, organic acids, and koji-specific metabolites distinct from sake-derived materials. Okinawan distilleries — concentrated in Naha, Ishigaki, and Miyako — produce both the awamori itself and the cosmetic-grade upcycled extracts.

Japanese sweetfish (Plecoglossus altivelis) — a freshwater amphidromous species harvested from clear river systems. Gifu (Nagara River), Wakayama (Kumano River), Shimane, and Kochi (Shimanto River) host the principal harvest. Iconic 'shio-yaki ayu' (salt-grilled ayu) is a summer fine-dining classic. The fish carries its own characteristic 'sweet' aroma (sugar-fern-like) from its diet of river-bottom algae. Distinct from existing ocean-fish entries.

A small red bean central to Japanese wagashi (mochi, dorayaki, anko paste) and increasingly used in cosmetic ingredients for its saponin-rich seed coat. Hokkaido produces ~75% of Japan's azuki by volume; the Tokachi region's 'Erimo' cultivar is the most-consumed variety in industrial wagashi production. Cosmetic-grade azuki seed extract appears in cleansing and exfoliating formulations on the back of saponin and polyphenol content.

Okinawan variety of purple sweet potato with intense anthocyanin pigmentation. Heat-stable natural colorant.

Japanese loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) — Nagasaki and Chiba produce the principal commercial fruit supply; the leaves have substantial Kampo herbal use. Distinguished from imported loquat by superior fresh-fruit eating quality. Cosmetic-grade biwa-leaf extract (existing glossary slug 'eriobotrya-japonica-leaf-extract') anchors anti-inflammatory and skin-calming positioning. Distinct from existing food / herbal entries.

Pacific bluefin tuna — the most-prized sushi / sashimi tuna in Japanese cuisine. Wild-harvest dominated Japanese supply until aquaculture (notably Maruha Nichiro and Kindai University Tuna) began commercial-scale production around 2010. Aomori (Oma), Iyo Bay (Wakayama), and Mie host the principal commercial harvest. The Tsukiji-Toyosu auction system anchors global tuna pricing. Distinct from less-prized yellowfin (kihada) and bigeye (mebachi) tuna varieties.

Katsuobushi is dried, smoked, and fermented skipjack tuna, one of the foundational ingredients of Japanese dashi stock. The extract form is a concentrated liquid or powder standardized for umami components (inosinate, histidine, amino acids). Export applications include ramen bases, stock concentrates, and umami seasoning bases.

Hardy perennial herb (Apiaceae family) native to Yonaguni Island and other subtropical Ryukyu coastlines. A local Okinawan longevity herb with chlorogenic acid and rutin content comparable to or exceeding kale.

Three-day broccoli sprout — the Japanese-cultivated Brassica oleracea sprout positioned around sulforaphane and glucoraphanin content. Japan's commercial broccoli-sprout industry is dominated by Murakami Farm (Hiroshima), which licensed Johns Hopkins / BroccoSprouts methodology and now operates the world's largest indoor broccoli-sprout production. FFC notifications support liver-protective and antioxidant positioning domestically. Substantial export to North American supplement OEMs as a reference Japanese-processed sulforaphane source. Distinct from existing functional-food entries.

Japanese amberjack (Seriola quinqueradiata), Japan's most-cultivated finfish by aquaculture volume. Kagoshima, Ehime, and Oita dominate aquaculture; Kanazawa and Toyama Bay provide notable wild harvest of premium 'Kan-buri' (winter buri). Sequential naming as buri grows: wakashi → inada → warasa → buri reflects a uniquely Japanese cultural relationship with the species. Distinct from existing seafood entries.

Extract of Camellia japonica flowers — distinct from the well-known camellia (tsubaki) seed oil. The flower extract carries flavonoid glycosides and saponins that drive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory positioning. Goto Islands (Nagasaki) and Izu Oshima (Tokyo) are the heritage tsubaki-cultivation regions; both also produce flower extract under tradition-and-place-of-origin marketing for premium skincare. Often paired with the seed oil in skincare lines for both scent and a complete tsubaki-positioning narrative.

Cosmetic and food-grade extract of Yoshino cherry (Prunus × yedoensis) blossoms, harvested during the brief late-March / early-April bloom. The pickled flower (sakura-zuke) has 600+ years of Japanese culinary use; modern cosmetic-grade extract emerged in the 1990s, positioned for skin-brightening and antioxidant applications based on caffeoylquinic acid and caffeoylsucrose content. Production is highly seasonal and place-specific — Yoshino (Nara), Hirosaki (Aomori), and Izumiya producers (Saitama) are the historical extract suppliers. Often paired with cherry-blossom fragrance / floral-positioning packaging in spring-edition retail.

Premium Kagoshima tea from the Chiran district (Minamikyushu City). Kagoshima is now Japan's second-largest tea-producing prefecture (after Shizuoka), and Chiran is its most-prestigious sub-region. Distinguished by warm-climate cultivation that yields earlier ichibancha (April vs late-April Shizuoka) and characteristic mellow, low-astringency profile. Substantial export to Asian and Western premium-tea retail. Distinct from existing tea entries.

Polysaccharide derived from crustacean shells (snow-crab, kuruma-prawn, lobster) — Japan's marine-fishery upcycling chain produces some of the world's highest-purity chitosan. Yaizu Suisan Kagaku (Shizuoka) and Koyo Chemical produce industrial-scale chitin / chitosan for supplement, cosmetic, biomedical, and water-treatment applications. Functional positioning targets cholesterol-moderation (FFC notifications exist) and wound-healing applications. Distinct from existing seafood entries.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, ubiquinone) — Japan is the world's leading producer of bioidentical fermentation-derived CoQ10. Kaneka (Osaka) and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical operate the world's largest CoQ10 fermentation plants; both supply substantial export volumes for North American and European supplement OEMs. Distinguished from imported synthetic CoQ10 by chiral purity and trans-isomer ratio. The reduced ubiquinol form (Kaneka QH) commands premium pricing for bioavailability positioning. Distinct from existing entries.

Japanese white radish — Hokkaido, Chiba, Aomori, and Kanagawa lead commercial production. Central to oden, yosenabe, takuan pickle (existing entry), and a wide variety of Japanese cooking. Functional positioning targets isothiocyanate and digestive-enzyme content. Specific cultivars (Sakurajima Daikon Kagoshima — world's largest, Aokubi Daikon — most-cultivated) carry regional / size-based premiums. Distinct from existing radish-derived entries.

Premium Japanese citrus hybrid (Shiranui cultivar of Kiyomi × Ponkan) commercially branded as 'Dekopon' under cooperative trademark. Distinguished by the protruding bump (deko) at the stem, intense sweetness (Brix 13+), low acidity, and easy-peel rind. Kumamoto, Ehime, Wakayama, and Hiroshima are the principal commercial producers. The 'Dekopon' brand requires Brix ≥13 and acidity ≤1.0% for cooperative-trademark use. Substantial premium fresh-fruit export to Asian markets and increasingly the US.

East Asian medicinal herb known in kampo as Jūyaku. Star ingredient in K-Beauty, with growing global demand.

Mie Prefecture is Japan's largest producer of fresh figs and the premium dried-fig market. Cultivars 'Houraishi' and 'Masui Dauphine' anchor production; specialty processors in Suzuka and Iga produce semi-dried and fully-dried product for confectionery and fine-dining retail. Higher pectin and sugar content than mass-volume Mediterranean dried figs. Used in patisserie, premium muesli, and as a calcium-iron functional retail snack.

Male snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) — known as 'Echizen-gani' in Fukui, 'Matsuba-gani' in Tottori-Hyogo, and 'Tsuwai-gani' in Hokkaido. Fukui's Echizen-gani has GI protection and tag-trace certification (yellow tag for Echizen-gani, red tag for top-grade). Female (seko-gani) has separate naming and pricing. Northern Hokkaido and Sea of Japan harvest produces the principal commercial supply. Used live-cooked, frozen retail, and increasingly canned for export.

Yellow and purple cultivated chrysanthemum varieties consumed in Japan as a salad / sashimi garnish, dried herbal tea, and increasingly as a cosmetic active. Aomori (Hachinohe) is the leading commercial production region; the 'Mottenohoka' purple cultivar from Yamagata commands GI-positioned regional pricing. Functional positioning targets antioxidant flavonoid content (luteolin, apigenin); cosmetic extracts feature in anti-ageing and brightening positioning. Distinct from existing 'yomogi' (mugwort) and 'dokudami' (heartleaf) entries.

Long, slender white mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) cultivated commercially in Japan since the 1970s. Nagano produces ~70% of Japan's enoki, with Niigata a distant second. Used in nabe hot pots, miso soup, salads, and increasingly in Korean-style enoki sides. Cultivated 'shiro-enoki' (white) is distinct from the wild yellow-brown form. Functional positioning targets beta-glucan and enokitake-derived peptides; Nagano R&D has commercialised standardised enoki extracts for immune-support supplements. Distinct from existing maitake / shiitake / matsutake entries.

Cosmetic and supplement-grade placenta extract sourced from Hokkaido-raised horses (uma-placenta). Hokkaido's regulated equine industry — anchored by Hidaka and the broader Hokkaido pasturage — supplies upcycled placenta material processed under medical-grade hygiene standards. Japanese cosmetic and supplement OEMs distinguish between equine, porcine and marine-derived placenta; equine grade commands premium pricing in skincare and beauty-supplement categories on the back of growth-factor and cytokine content. Marketed for skin elasticity and brightening positioning.

King trumpet mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) — introduced to Japanese commercial cultivation in the 1990s and now a major export-retail mushroom. Long, thick fleshy stem with mild scallop-like flavour gives it a meaty mouthfeel valued in plant-based-meat positioning. Nagano and Niigata dominate cultivation. Beyond fresh-mushroom retail, dried and powdered eringi are increasingly used in plant-protein blends and umami-positioning seasonings. Distinct from existing mushroom entries.

Wheat gluten product made by extracting gluten from wheat dough and steaming or baking. A core ingredient of Japanese cuisine for 700+ years, with regional variants: nama-fu (raw, fresh) for Kyoto kaiseki; yaki-fu (baked) for soup additions; kuruma-fu (wheel-shaped) as the most recognisable retail format. Kyoto and Niigata are the heritage production regions; Niigata's specific 'shokupan-style' wheat-flour mills supply many fu producers. As a high-protein (60-75% dry basis) ingredient, fu is a long-standing plant-protein source that anticipates the modern plant-based-meat trend. Distinct from existing 'kinako' (roasted soy flour) and 'mochigome' entries.

Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweeds, most commonly mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranus) from Okinawa and kombu (Saccharina japonica) from Hokkaidō. Studied for moisturizing, immune-modulating, and antioxidant positioning. Sold as both a cosmetic ingredient and a functional food supplement.

Hydrolysed marine collagen extracted from fugu (Takifugu rubripes) skin — a Yamaguchi Prefecture specialty. Shimonoseki has 80%+ of Japan's commercial fugu industry; fugu-skin upcycled into cosmetic-grade and supplement-grade collagen is a 2010s-onward value-add. Distinct from existing 'hokkaido-marine-collagen' (fish-broad-spectrum) entry. Fugu collagen's high glycine-proline composition gives it favourable bioavailability profiles. Used in beauty drinks, skincare, and joint-health supplements.

GABA is a non-protein amino acid produced commercially in Japan by lactic-acid bacterial fermentation or chemical synthesis. Japan is a global leader in functional-food applications of GABA, with thousands of FFC notifications citing stress reduction, sleep quality, and blood-pressure support.

Galactomyces ferment filtrate is the clear liquid obtained from the culture of Galactomyces yeast. Studied for skin-conditioning and moisturizing effects. Japanese manufacturers produce the ingredient under INCI-recognized generic names; this platform lists only generic producers, not proprietary brand preparations.

Blend of green tea (typically bancha or sencha) with toasted brown rice, producing a nutty, mild, low-caffeine profile. Originated as a frugal extender during food shortages and now positioned as a low-caffeine premium daily tea internationally. Toasting protocols vary: light toast retains green-tea character; heavy toast emphasises grain notes. Often blended with matcha (matcha-iri genmaicha) for export markets.

A tropical herb native to Okinawa. Research at University of the Ryukyus (Prof. Tawada) demonstrated lifespan extension of 22.6% in nematode studies.

Standardised extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves — globally established for cognitive support and circulatory positioning. Japanese cultivation centres on Aichi, Niigata, and Yamagata, with mature processing infrastructure for both flavone-glycoside and terpene-lactone fractions. Domestic Japanese FFC notifications cover memory and cognition support per a strict standardised-extract specification (≥24% flavone glycosides, ≥6% terpene lactones). Distinct quality controls remove ginkgolic acid below international supplement caps. Substantial export to North American and European supplement OEMs as a reference Japanese standardised extract.

Rare double-fermented post-fermented tea produced exclusively in Otoyo, Kochi Prefecture. Distinguished by its black-stone-like compressed cubes (the 'goishi' name references Go board stones), goishi-cha is one of only a handful of post-fermented teas in the world (alongside Chinese pu-erh and Japan's awa-bancha and ishizuchi-kurocha). Production is controlled by a small Otoyo cooperative — annual output is limited to less than 10 tonnes. Functional positioning targets the lactic-acid bacteria fermentation profile and resulting low-caffeine / high-polyphenol balance. Niche but increasingly sought by tea collectors and natural-fermentation enthusiasts in export markets.

Tropical vine cultivated in Ryukyu Islands for over 500 years. Central ingredient of goya chanpuru.

Unripe papaya harvested before ripening, rich in papain, chymopapain, and carpain enzymes. Japanese fermentation techniques enable safe supplement use (raw papain is pharmaceutical-designated).

Japan's most prestigious shaded green tea, distinguished by 20+ days of pre-harvest shading that suppresses catechin synthesis and elevates theanine concentrations 2-3x above sencha. Yame (Fukuoka) and Uji (Kyoto) are the two recognised production regions; Yame produces ~45% of Japan's gyokuro by volume. The deep umami profile and intense green color command per-kg prices 5-10x sencha. Used in premium beverage, supplement, and L-theanine extraction applications.

Japanese hard clam (Meretrix lusoria) — a ceremonial-cuisine staple, central to hina-matsuri (Doll Festival) tradition where the matched-pair shells symbolise fidelity. Mie's Kuwana hamaguri carries 'Kuwana-no Yakihamaguri' regional positioning; Aichi and Tokyo Bay (formerly major sources, now declining) round out commercial supply. Production has been declining due to coastal habitat loss; allocation-controlled cooperative supply commands premium pricing. Distinct from existing seafood entries.

Hatcho Miso is a mame miso (soybean-only miso, no rice or barley) fermented in large wooden barrels with river stones as weight, aged typically two years. Japan's GI system registered Hatcho Miso in 2024. Export applications include premium ramen, grilled meat glazes, and high-end Japanese restaurant supply chains.

Traditional Japanese grain (Coix lacryma-jobi var. ma-yuen) consumed for centuries as hatomugi-cha and as a Kampo herbal raw material (Yokuinin). Functional positioning centres on coixenolide and coixol active fractions for skin-positioned beauty applications, plus the seed's protein and dietary fibre profile for general nutrition. Tochigi, Tottori, Saitama, and Toyama host the principal cultivation. Cosmetic ingredient grades drive premium skincare lines — especially in 'mochi-hada' (mochi-skin) positioning — while hatomugi-cha remains a major retail beverage category.

The mid-tier kombu of choice for everyday Japanese cooking and the most common kombu in Japanese supermarkets. Produced along the Hidaka coast (south-central Hokkaido), Hidaka kombu cooks softer than rishiri or ma-kombu, making it ideal for both dashi and direct consumption (kombu-stewed tofu, kombu salad). Mitsuishi (formerly within the Hidaka district) is the historic harvest centre. Commercial volume is significantly larger than rishiri/rausu/ma-kombu, with substantial export volume to overseas Japanese-restaurant supply.

Japanese barnyard millet (Echinochloa esculenta), the most cold-tolerant of Japan's traditional millets and historically the staple grain of cold-mountain regions in Tōhoku. Modern cultivation is small but anchored in Iwate (Hiraizumi) and Akita. Functional positioning targets dietary fibre and minerals. The third member of Japan's millet trio (with awa and kibi). Distinct from existing rice and grain entries.

Brown seaweed (Sargassum fusiforme) traditionally consumed in Japan as a side dish (nimono, salad) and increasingly under regulatory scrutiny in some export markets due to inorganic-arsenic content. Mie, Nagasaki, and Oita are the principal commercial harvest regions, with imported Korean and Chinese supply also feeding the Japanese market. Calcium and dietary fibre profile drive nutrition positioning, but importers must navigate destination-market arsenic guidance — UK FSA advises against hijiki consumption, while Japan and most EU member states permit it with labelling.

Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) is a coniferous tree endemic to Japan and Taiwan, famous for use in Shinto shrine construction and onsen bath fittings. The essential oil is steam-distilled from hinoki wood, leaves, or twigs. Dominant compounds include hinokitiol, α-pinene, and sesquiterpenes. Distinct from hiba (Thujopsis dolabrata).

Premium Japanese rice cultivar developed 1991 in Miyagi Prefecture as a blast-resistant, cold-tolerant alternative to Koshihikari. Now Japan's second most-cultivated rice variety. Miyagi, Iwate, and Akita lead production. Distinguished by smaller grain size and slightly sweeter cooked-rice profile compared to Koshihikari. Distinct from existing rice cultivar entries.

Hojicha is a Japanese green tea that has been roasted at high temperature, producing a distinctive toasty, low-astringency, low-caffeine beverage. The powdered form is used in ice cream, baked goods, specialty lattes, and confectionery. Export demand has grown as a caffeine-lower alternative to matcha.

Wild-harvested medicinal fungus (Inonotus obliquus) growing on Hokkaido birch trees. Hokkaido's white birch (shirakaba) forests are the only commercial chaga-harvesting region in Japan. Standardised hot-water and ethanol extracts are the basis of immune-support and antioxidant supplement positioning. Distinct from Russian and Korean chaga in birch-host species (B. pendula vs B. platyphylla in Hokkaido), giving the Hokkaido chaga a slightly different polysaccharide profile. Wild-harvest constraints make supply allocation-driven; sustainable forestry partnerships have emerged to ensure continuity.

Hokkaido and the broader northern Pacific produce ~60% of global Yesso scallops (Mizuhopecten yessoensis). Domestic Japanese consumption focuses on sashimi-grade adductor muscle; export volume drives substantial supply for premium frozen retail in China, Taiwan, and the US. Beyond the meat itself, Japanese R&D has commercialised scallop-derived supply chains — proteoglycan-rich shell powder used in cosmetic exfoliants, marine collagen extracted from scallop tissues, and calcium-fortified food ingredients from shell. Distinct from the existing 'hokkaido-marine-collagen' (which is fish-derived).

Hon-mirin (true mirin) is a traditional Japanese fermented rice cooking wine containing approximately 13–14% alcohol by volume. Aichi (Mikawa) and Chiba (Nagareyama) are the major traditional production areas. Hon-mirin is distinct from 'mirin-style seasoning' (みりん風調味料) — a non-fermented sweetener.

Premium Shizuoka tea from the Honyama (Abe River basin) region — the historical heartland of Shizuoka tea cultivation since the early Edo period. Honyama's mountainous terroir produces tea with characteristically refreshing aroma and clean astringency, distinct from the warmer-climate Kakegawa. Substantial supply for premium retail tea-bag and bottled-tea programmes. Distinct from existing tea entries (matcha, sencha, hojicha, gyokuro, etc).

Premium pork raised in the Iga Basin (Mie Prefecture) under cooperative-managed standards. Iga's mountain-bowl topography and the cool Iga River feed produce pork with finer fat-marbling than industrial breeds. Used in fine-dining tonkatsu and shabu-shabu, plus the regional Iga ninja-themed gift-economy retail. Smaller production volume than Kagoshima Kurobuta but commands a Mie-region premium. Distinct from existing pork entries.

Barley-based honkaku shōchū produced exclusively on Iki Island (Nagasaki Prefecture). One of the four GI-protected honkaku shōchū origins (along with Kagoshima imo, Kuma kome, Ryukyu awamori). Distinguished by light, clean profile from Iki-island barley and the soft volcanic-island groundwater. Roughly 7 distilleries operate on Iki, producing both retail and B2B ingredient supply. Distinct from existing imo / awamori shōchū entries.

Sweet-potato distilled spirit (honkaku shōchū) — Kagoshima Prefecture's signature beverage with over 100 active distilleries. Production combines locally-grown sweet potato (Kogane Sengan, Beni Otome cultivars) with kuro-koji (black-koji) starter culture. The 'Honkaku Shōchū' GI designation (MAFF, 2005) protects the regional naming. Beyond consumer beverage, imo-shōchū-derived ingredient products (esters, lees-extract) are used in cosmetic and supplement OEMs. Distinct from existing 'awamori-extract' and 'shochu-kasu' entries.

Wild-harvest Japanese rock oyster (Crassostrea nippona) — the larger, summer-harvested counterpart to the cultivated 'magaki' (Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas). Distinguished by larger size (often 10-15 cm shell), creamier texture, and summer harvest (June – August) vs magaki winter harvest. Yamagata, Akita, and Niigata along the Sea of Japan coast host the principal commercial wild-harvest. Specialty fine-dining and gift-economy retail. Distinct from existing scallop / abalone / fugu / kuruma-prawn shellfish entries.

Adult Japanese pilchard (Sardinops melanostictus) — the foundation of niboshi (existing), shirasu (juvenile), and the premium adult retail market. Hokkaido, Aomori, Chiba, and Shimane lead commercial harvest; specialty processing in Kanagawa and Wakayama produces salt-cured (shio-iwashi), kabayaki (grilled-eel-style), and dried products. Functional positioning targets DHA / EPA / vitamin-D content. Distinct from existing katsuobushi / niboshi / saba-bushi entries.

Mid-size sweet-tart citrus (Citrus iyo) almost entirely produced in Ehime Prefecture (>90%). Eating quality balances sweetness (Brix 11-13) with refreshing acidity, and the peel is medium-easy. Iyokan is one of Japan's three most-cultivated citruses by volume (after unshu mikan and dekopon). Substantial fresh-fruit retail and processed-juice supply for both domestic and Asian export. Distinct from sweeter dekopon and tarter kabosu / sudachi varietals.

Japanese coastal abalone — Haliotis discus hannai (Ezo abawbi, northern coastal) and H. gigantea (Madaka abalone, central / southern). Iwate, Miyagi, and Chiba dominate northern wild-harvest, while controlled aquaculture in Mie and Wakayama produces the majority of farmed supply. Domestic Japanese consumption focuses on sashimi-grade live, dried (hoshi-awabi for kaiseki), and increasingly canned for export. The shell mother-of-pearl (rakuden) is upcycled into cosmetic exfoliant powders and jewellery-craft inputs. Distinct from the existing scallop and other shellfish entries.

Light-coloured, mild-flavoured honey from black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) — the most popular varietal honey in Japan and the dominant Japan-domestic honey type by volume. Akashia honey resists crystallisation longer than most varietals, making it the de-facto retail-shelf honey in Japan. Aichi (Nagoya), Iwate, and Yamagata are the principal Japan-domestic production regions. Japan-domestic honey is heavily premium-priced vs imported Chinese / South American supply; the 'kokusan' (domestic) label is a key consumer trust marker. Distinct from royal jelly and propolis in flavour and supplement positioning.

Activated charcoal produced by charring Moso Bamboo at 1,000°C in traditional earth kilns, pulverized to micron-scale particles. Classified in Japan as 'plant charcoal color' food additive (植物炭末色素).

Domestically-cultivated black sesame (Sesamum indicum). Japan-domestic sesame production is small (<1% of national consumption) but commands premium pricing for traceability — Kyushu (Kagoshima, Miyazaki) and Tōhoku producers supply heritage retail. Functional positioning targets sesamin lignans and the antioxidant profile of the black-seed-coat anthocyanins. Suntory's Sesamin-EX supplement line draws on Japan-domestic black-sesame supply chains.

Premium domestic Japanese jujube, primarily cultivated in Fukui Prefecture's Natsume district. Kampo medicine grade Taisō (大棗) variety dominates, pesticide-free and traceable.

Japanese winter squash cultivar (Cucurbita maxima, kuri-kabocha lineage) — distinguished by dense, sweet, dry-textured flesh (Brix 10-12) markedly different from Western pumpkin. Hokkaido produces ~50% of Japan's domestic kabocha; small-volume specialty producers (kuri-jiman, ebisu) supply premium retail. Carotenoid-rich (~5,000 µg/100g beta-carotene) and increasingly used in functional-food positioning for vitamin-A. Substantial export to North American premium retail markets where kabocha's eating quality outperforms North American pumpkin.

Japanese natural spring water from officially designated sources. The Ministry of Environment has selected 100 Famous Waters (1985) and 100 Heisei Period Famous Waters (2008), totalling 200 sites. Japan's first domestic mineral water was Fuji Mineral Water's 'Nihon Evian' (1929).

Domestic Japanese reishi mushroom, including rare rokkaku reishi (deer-antler form with 50%+ β-glucan content). Japanese cultivation technology pioneered in the 1970s. Sakamoto Bio (Akita), Ōkō (Hokkaido, organic JAS), and Jōyaku Kenkyūsho are primary Japanese producers.

Sour citrus (Citrus sphaerocarpa) almost exclusively produced in Oita Prefecture (>95% of national volume). Harvested green for the signature sharp-acid juice; turns yellow in late season. Used as a sashimi accent, in vinegar-and-soy dressings, in clear soups, and increasingly in Western fine-dining as a yuzu-alternative citrus. The juice profile is rounder and less aromatic than yuzu, with higher juice yield per fruit. Distinct from sudachi (smaller, sharper) and yuzu (more aromatic, lower yield).

Mid-tier between sencha and gyokuro, produced under 7–10 days of shade cover (vs gyokuro's 20+ days). Mie Prefecture produces over 60% of Japan's kabusecha; Wazuka (Kyoto) and Yame (Fukuoka) also produce. Profile balances sencha's astringency with gyokuro's umami at a fraction of gyokuro's price point. Increasingly used by D2C tea brands targeting buyers who want gyokuro-adjacent quality without the price.

Premium Japanese black pork — descended from imported British Berkshire pigs (1800s) and adapted to Kagoshima cultivation conditions. The 'Kagoshima Kurobuta' label requires Berkshire-pure breeding and Kagoshima-prefecture rearing. Distinguished from standard pork by superior marbling, lower water content, and richer flavour. Per-kg pricing 2-3× standard pork. Substantial export to Asian fine-dining markets and increasingly to Western premium retail.

Brown-pot fermented unpolished-rice vinegar produced exclusively in Fukuyama, Kagoshima. The 200+ year-old kame-tsubo (clay-pot) outdoor fermentation method — sun-warmed, naturally aerobic, multi-year aging — yields amber-brown vinegar with significantly higher amino-acid content than industrial rice vinegar. The 'Fukuyama Kurozu' label is GI-protected with rigorous geographic and method definitions. Sakamoto Brewing (1812) and Fukuyama Black Vinegar Cooperative producers anchor the supply. Used in premium beverage, traditional Chinese-medicine-adjacent supplements (FFC notifications exist), and increasingly cosmetic AHA-positioning skincare.

Fermented juice of astringent (shibu-gaki) persimmons, used in Japan for over 800 years as a natural preservative for paper (washi), wood, and cloth, and increasingly as a deodorising/antibacterial active in skincare, body care, and antimicrobial textiles. Kyoto, Wakayama, and Gifu host the historic kakishibu production tradition. The high condensed-tannin content (proanthocyanidin polymers) drives both colour (warm tan-brown) and the deodorising effect on volatile sulphur compounds — the basis of the modern body-care positioning.

Round, dense Kyoto-heritage eggplant cultivar grown in the Kamo / Kamigamo area of Kyoto. One of the recognised 'Kyoto Heirloom Vegetables' (Kyo-Yasai). Distinguished from common eggplant by its near-spherical shape, dense flesh, and minimal seed cavity — making it ideal for grilling and miso-stewed dishes. Production is small (cooperative-controlled in Kyoto) and commands per-kg pricing 5-10× standard nasu. Distinct from existing vegetable entries.

Polysaccharide gelling agent derived from red seaweed (Gelidium / Gracilaria), traditionally produced through freeze-drying in the high-altitude winters of Nagano. Kanten has 200+ years of Japanese history as a wagashi (kuzukiri, mizu-yokan) ingredient, and modern Japanese producers Ina Food Industry and Marusan Bussan are global leaders in industrial agar supply. Used in confectionery, plant-based dessert, microbiology media (food-grade and laboratory-grade) and as a high-fibre functional food ingredient for satiety / weight-management positioning.

Salt-cured and sun-dried mullet (Mugil cephalus) roe — Japan's premium counterpart to Mediterranean bottarga. Nagasaki has 400+ year heritage as the centre of Japanese karasumi production, with smaller producers in Kagawa and Taiwan-influenced southern Kyushu. Karasumi is one of Japan's three classic delicacies (sankin) alongside konowata and uni. The cure-and-press process takes 30-60 days, during which the roe loses ~50% mass. Used in fine-dining (shaved over pasta, rice), as gift-grade kaiseki accent, and increasingly in high-end Western fine-dining alongside Mediterranean bottarga.

Ancient grain (Panicum miliaceum, proso millet) cultivated in Japan for over 2,000 years. Commercial production is concentrated in Iwate, Nagano, and Hokkaido, with traditional ceremonial use in Okayama (where 'kibi-dango' confectionery is the regional gift staple). Functional positioning targets the gluten-free, high-protein, high-iron profile. Distinct from awa (foxtail millet) and hie (barnyard millet) — Japan's traditional 'gokoku' (five grains) trio.

Wood ear / cloud ear mushroom (Auricularia auricula-judae). Japanese commercial cultivation centres on Oita and Kumamoto — significantly smaller scale than Chinese supply but with traceability and processing-quality differentiators. Used in Chinese-Japanese fusion (Hakata-style mizutaki, mapo dofu, salads), and increasingly as a vitamin-D-fortified supplement (kikurage carries the highest vitamin-D content of any commonly-cultivated edible mushroom). Distinct from existing mushroom entries.

Kinako is roasted soybean flour, made by dry-roasting whole soybeans and milling to a fine powder. A staple of Japanese confectionery, commonly used to coat mochi, wagashi, and traditional New Year foods. Industrial applications include pastry topping, nutrition bar ingredients, and functional food applications.

Heritage Japanese red-fleshed carrot — distinct from the typical orange Western carrot. Kagawa and Kyoto produce the principal commercial supply. Distinguished by deep red flesh (lycopene-rich, vs typical beta-carotene), longer length (~30 cm), and sweeter / less-pungent profile. Central to Kyoto Osechi (New Year cuisine) preparation. Distinct from existing vegetable entries.

Kobe Beef — the world's most-recognised Japanese wagyu brand, sourced exclusively from Tajima cattle raised, slaughtered, and processed in Hyogo Prefecture under strict cooperative-managed standards. MAFF GI-protected and registered with the Japan Patent Office. Strict criteria: BMS (Beef Marbling Standard) ≥6, BCS (Beef Color Standard) 4-7, BFS (Beef Fat Standard) 4-7, gross weight 270-499 kg. Distinct from existing 'wagyu-fat-tallow' (rendered fat) entry; this is the prime export-grade meat ingredient.

Cooking and cosmetic oil extracted from rice bran (the existing 'rice-bran' entry covers the bran ingredient itself). Japanese cooking-oil retail is anchored by rice-bran oil for its high smoke point (240°C+) and γ-oryzanol content. Tsuno Foods, Mizuho Foods, and Kanematsu (B2B) supply industrial-scale rice-bran oil. Cosmetic-grade rice-bran oil is widely used as a non-comedogenic emollient. Distinct from existing 'rice-bran' (raw bran) and 'camellia-oil' entries.

Plant-type ceramide (glucosylceramide) extracted from konjac corms. Konjac contains 7-15× higher ceramide concentration than rice or corn sources, making it the most cost-effective feedstock for plant ceramide extraction.

Standardised glucomannan polysaccharide extracted from konjac corm — distinct from the 'konnyaku-ceramide' (cosmetic ceramide) entry. Glucomannan is a soluble dietary fibre with FDA-recognised structure-function claims for blood-glucose moderation and weight-management positioning. Gunma's >90% konjac monopoly (existing in konnyaku-ceramide entry) underlies the supply chain. Used in shirataki / konnyaku noodle (Japanese low-calorie alternative), as a dietary supplement, and increasingly in plant-based meat-alternative as a binder. Distinct from existing entries.

Plant-derived glucosylceramide extracted from konnyaku corm (Amorphophallus konjac). Gunma Prefecture produces over 90% of Japan's konnyaku and is the heartland of konnyaku-ceramide supply for both cosmetic and food-supplement applications. Functions as a barrier-supporting humectant in skincare and as an oral ingredient with FFC (Foods with Function Claims) notifications referencing skin moisture support. Distinct from rice-derived glucosylceramide in lipid profile.

Cultivated Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) — historically grown in Japan in Fukushima (Aizu) and Nagano (Shinshu) since 1700s, distinct from Korean and Chinese commercial supply. Modern Japan-domestic cultivation is small-scale but produces premium ginseng commanding multiple-of-Korean pricing in Kampo and supplement markets. Standardised ginsenoside content (Rg1, Rb1, Rb2) drives functional positioning. Aizu and Shinshu cooperatives maintain heritage cultivars; Tochimoto Tenkaido and Uchida Wakanyaku supply pharmaceutical and supplement OEMs.

Kudzu starch is extracted from the thick tuberous root of Pueraria montana. Traditional Japanese production (吉野晒し) involves repeated water-washing of crushed roots over several weeks. Yoshino (Nara) and Akizuki (Fukuoka) are historic production centers; pure Yoshino-kuzu is a premium category with centuries-long continuous production.

Rice-based honkaku shōchū produced exclusively in the Kuma region of Kumamoto. One of Japan's GI-protected honkaku shōchū origins (alongside Kagoshima imo, Iki mugi, Ryukyu awamori, the existing batch entries). 28+ Kuma distilleries operate in this small region, all distilling rice with kome-koji starter. Distinguished by characteristic floral, light profile from the rice base. Distinct from existing shōchū entries (imo, mugi, soba) and awamori-extract.

Black-koji mold (Aspergillus luchuensis) — the foundational starter culture of Okinawan awamori. Distinct from yellow-koji (sake / miso) and white-koji (shōchū) in higher citric-acid yield and tolerance for warm-climate fermentation. Okinawan awamori distilleries and the Akita Konno Shoten specialty supply chain produce the commercial starter cultures. Increasingly studied for cosmetic upcycling on the back of black-koji-fermented sake-kasu profiles. Distinct from existing awamori and shochu-kasu entries.

Pigmented ancient rice variety with anthocyanin-rich black bran. Japanese cultivation centres on Hokkaido, Akita, and Niigata under FFC and functional-food positioning. The seed coat carries cyanidin-3-glucoside concentrations 10-50× higher than common white rice. Used as a 5-10% blend in white-rice cooking (gives a purple tint), in onigiri, and as a stand-alone supplement / kuromai-cha (black-rice tea). Distinct from kuromame (black soybean) and existing white-rice / mochigome entries.

Kuromoji (Lindera umbellata) is a deciduous shrub in the Lauraceae family, native to Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu mountain forests. Traditionally used for tea-ceremony toothpicks and premium wagashi picks. Steam-distilled essential oil offers a fresh, citrusy-woody profile with major components linalool, 1,8-cineole, α/β-pinene. Positions as a uniquely Japanese alternative to hinoki with satoyama sustainability credentials.

Japanese tiger prawn (Marsupenaeus japonicus) — a sushi / tempura premium classic. Aquaculture in Yamaguchi (Akamizu Bay), Kumamoto, and Ehime produces the principal commercial supply; wild-harvest in Tokyo Bay and Seto Inland Sea adds smaller volumes. Distinguished from imported tiger prawns by characteristic stripe pattern and richer umami. Used live-shipped for sashimi (odori-ebi), grilled, tempura, and as a feedstock for chitin / chitosan supplement extraction. Distinct from existing shellfish entries.

Amino acid unique to tea (Camellia sinensis). Commercial production led by Taiyo Kagaku's enzymatic method.

The 'true' kelp variety harvested in southern Hokkaido (Kameda Peninsula, Hakodate, Minamikayabe) and northern Aomori. Distinguished from rishiri by its sweeter dashi character and broader, thicker fronds. Ma-kombu is the heritage choice for Kansai-style refined dashi and most kombu-based confectionery (kelp candy, kelp tea). Allocation-controlled supply through Hakodate Fisheries Cooperative; specialty single-source ma-kombu commands premium pricing in Tokyo and Kyoto kaiseki kitchens. Distinct from the existing rishiri-kombu entry in profile and use case.

Japanese red sea bream (Pagrus major) — the ceremonial 'tai' fish central to celebratory Japanese cuisine (weddings, New Year). Aquaculture in Ehime (~50% of national production) and Kumamoto produces the principal commercial supply; wild-harvest in Akashi Strait and Setouchi adds smaller premium volumes. The 'Akashi-dai' wild brand commands the highest pricing. Used in sashimi, grilled, in dashi (tai-meshi), and increasingly in fine-dining-positioned ready-meals. Distinct from existing seafood entries.

Standardised beta-1,6-glucan extract from maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa), originally developed at the Kobe Pharmaceutical University in the 1980s. Niigata is the primary cultivation region (~70% of Japan's maitake by volume). The D-fraction is positioned in immune-support and adjuvant supplement contexts internationally; clinical literature exists for both dietary and oncology-adjuvant settings. Functional foods featuring D-fraction must clear country-specific regulatory pathways (FFC in Japan, NDI in US, etc.).

Matcha is stone-ground tea powder made from shade-grown tencha green tea leaves. Japan's traditional production centers are Uji (Kyoto), Nishio (Aichi), and Shizuoka. Uji matcha is a protected geographical indication (GI). Nishio no Matcha was previously a GI but its registration was withdrawn in February 2020 and it is now protected as a Regional Collective Trademark. Export demand has grown sharply since the 2010s.

Matsusaka Beef from Mie Prefecture — one of Japan's three most-prestigious wagyu brands (along with Kobe and Omi). Distinguished by extended fattening period (often 30+ months on a high-quality fodder) and exclusively female (virgin heifer) cattle for the top grade. The 'Tokusan Matsusaka Ushi' (Premium Matsusaka Beef) sub-label is the most-prized; some prized cattle command per-head prices over $30,000 at auction.

Wild-foraged pine mushroom (Tricholoma matsutake) — Japan's most-prized mushroom, with characteristic spicy-aromatic profile difficult to replicate. Cultivation has not been commercialised despite decades of research; supply is wild-foraged and increasingly imported from Korea, China, Canada, and Mexico. Domestic Japanese harvest is in steady decline (climate / forestry pressure). Iwate and Nagano are the principal Japan-domestic origins. Used in matsutake-gohan, dobin-mushi soup, and grilled with sudachi. Distinct from existing mushroom entries.

Heirloom Kyoto leafy mustard, the rounder-leaf cousin of mizuna. Kyo-Yasai-registered. The distinctive narrow, smooth leaf shape (vs serrated mizuna) and slightly more pungent flavour position it for fine-dining tsukemono and salad applications. Mibu and Saiin districts of Kyoto are the heritage cultivation regions. Distinct from existing vegetable entries.

Mito (Ibaraki Prefecture) is the historic centre of Japan's natto industry — the Ibaraki-Shimotsuma district produces ~30% of Japan's commercial natto by volume. Distinguished from existing 'nattokinase' entry: this entry is the whole-bean fermented natto food product, including the bean, mucus (neba), and live Bacillus subtilis natto bacteria. Increasingly exported to North American and European retail under both consumer-natto and B2B fermented-soybean ingredient channels.

Japanese parsley (Cryptotaenia japonica) — used for both the trifoliate leaf and stem. Aichi (largest), Chiba, and Saitama are the principal commercial producers. Used in chawan-mushi (egg custard), Kyoto kaiseki broth, ozoni (New Year soup), and as a ramen / udon garnish. Three forms in cuisine: ito-mitsuba (very thin shoots), kiri-mitsuba (cut leaves), and ne-mitsuba (whole-stem). Distinct from existing herb / vegetable entries.

Soft, water-rich sweet bean jelly — distinct from neri-yokan (firmer, denser) in agar-to-bean ratio and water content. A Japanese summer dessert classic; served chilled in slices. Heritage producers (Toraya, Tanegashima Wagashi, Kyoto Wagashi makers) anchor premium retail; mass-volume canned mizu-yokan supports export retail. Production marries azuki anko paste, kanten (agar), and sugar in a long-simmered jelly. Distinct from existing 'azuki-bean' / 'anko-paste-tsubuan' / 'kanten-agar' base ingredient entries.

Kyoto-heritage leafy mustard green, recognised as part of Kyoto's heirloom vegetable (Kyo-Yasai) registry. Distinguished from common Western 'mizuna' by feathery, deeply-cut leaf-shape and finer crunchy texture. Used in nabe hot pot, salads, and increasingly in Western fine-dining. Distinct from the related mibuna (existing in this batch) and other Kyoto-heritage vegetable entries.

Japanese glutinous rice (mochigome) — distinct from the everyday short-grain rice (uruchimai) used as table rice. The high amylopectin / low amylose ratio creates the chewy, sticky texture central to mochi, daifuku, sekihan, okowa, and sake-brewing rice (some specialty grades). Niigata, Akita, and Iwate are the leading production regions; specific cultivars ('Hiyokumochi', 'Koganemochi', 'Shitsumochi') anchor regional confectionery traditions. Distinct from existing 'kinako' (roasted soy flour) and 'rice-bran' entries.

Spring water filtered through Mt. Fuji's volcanic basalt aquifer — a 50-100 year underground filtration cycle that produces water with characteristically high silica content (40-100 mg/L vs typical ~10 mg/L) and low contaminant load. The Fujinomiya, Oshino-Hakkai, and Yamanashi aquifer points produce commercial spring water for both retail bottling and B2B beverage / cosmetic ingredient supply. Distinct from existing Muroto deep-sea-water entry. Used in premium bottled-water retail, sake brewing, and increasingly cosmetic moisturising lines positioning around the silica content.

Mugicha is a Japanese roasted barley tea, naturally caffeine-free and served cold in summer as a household staple. Export applications include children's beverage ranges and caffeine-free functional beverage lines. Note: mugicha contains barley gluten.

Mulberry leaf (Morus alba) — a Kampo herbal raw material with FFC notifications referencing post-meal blood-sugar moderation, anchored in the leaf's deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) content. Japanese cultivation, historically tied to the silk industry, has been re-purposed for kuwa-cha (mulberry-leaf tea) and DNJ-standardised supplement extracts. Nagano (the historic silk region), Gunma, and Kumamoto produce commercial supply; small-volume specialty producers in mountainous Tōhoku also contribute. Distinct from the existing mushroom and bamboo-leaf functional entries.

Deep ocean water sourced 300–600 m below the surface off Cape Muroto in Kōchi. Stable temperature, mineral balance (Mg-rich), and low bacterial load make it a high-grade ingredient for cosmetic moisturisers, mineral beverage, and salt production. Kōchi Prefecture's Muroto and Aki facilities are the largest commercial deep-sea-water sources in Japan; Toyama Bay and Okinawa Kume Island also produce. Branded retail mineral waters and cosmetic moisturising lines have built a multi-decade premium category around the Muroto label specifically.

Japanese ginger (Zingiber mioga), distinct from the more-cultivated common ginger (Z. officinale). Used not for the rhizome but for the unique flower-buds (myoga-no-ko) and shoots (myoga-take). Kochi (~80% of national production), Akita, and Nara are the principal commercial regions. Used as a sashimi accent, in salads, and as a fragrant spice — its character is more delicate and floral than common ginger. Distinct from existing herb / vegetable entries.

Heritage Japanese chicken breed (Nagoya Cochin), one of Japan's three premier 'jidori' (heritage) chickens (alongside Hinai-jidori from Akita and Satsuma-jidori from Kagoshima). Aichi Prefecture-bred; raised at lower density and slaughtered at older age (~110 days vs 50 days for industrial broiler) — producing firmer texture and richer flavour. Nagoya Cochin yakitori, oyakodon, and chicken-and-egg dishes anchor Aichi cuisine. Substantial gift-economy retail.

Sake-lees (sake kasu) pickled vegetables — a Nara Prefecture specialty with 1,200+ year documented history. Most commonly applied to uri (Japanese melon), white melon, watermelon, ginger, and cucumber. The pickling process uses recycled sake-kasu in 5+ rotations spanning 6 months to several years. Imanishi Honke and Shoutoku-no-mori are reference Nara producers; the long aging produces alcohol carryover ~5-7% in finished pickles, complicating halal and child-product labelling. Distinct from existing fermented food entries.

Premium-grade wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) harvested in the Naruto Strait (between Tokushima and Awaji Island). The strong tidal currents in this strait produce wakame with thicker, firmer texture and brighter green color than other origins. Naruto Wakame is a designated regional brand under Tokushima's branding programme. The premium texture commands 2-3× the price of mainstream wakame in retail. Distinct from existing 'fucoidan' (which is the active component) and 'okinawa-mozuku-fucoidan'. Used in soup, salad, and as a feedstock for fucoxanthin / mineral-rich supplement extracts.

Japanese Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) — distinguished from Western Bartlett-style pears by round shape, crisp watery texture, and lower aromatic-volatile content. Tottori (largest), Chiba, Fukushima, and Saitama produce the principal commercial supply. The 20-Seiki, Kosui, and Hosui cultivars dominate retail; 'Nijisseiki' (20-Century) holds Tottori-region heritage status. Substantial gift-economy export to Hong Kong / Taiwan / Singapore.

Fibrinolytic enzyme discovered in 1980 by Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi, derived from Bacillus subtilis natto fermentation of soybeans.

Boiled-and-dried small sardines (typically Japanese anchovy, Engraulis japonicus) used as a dashi base distinct from kombu/katsuobushi. The Seto Inland Sea (especially Iyo-nada) is the primary production region, where 'iriko' is the local name. Niboshi-based dashi is the foundation of regional ramen broths (especially Tsukemen), miso soup in many Japanese homes, and increasingly export-grade premium dashi packets. Calcium content makes niboshi a target for functional food positioning.

Liquid bittern obtained as a by-product of seawater salt production. Primarily magnesium chloride (60–95%) with minor calcium and potassium. Indispensable as the coagulant for traditional Japanese tofu, and increasingly used as a magnesium-supply ingredient in hot-pot soups, beverages, and cosmetics. Domestic production is concentrated in Okinawa (Ishigaki, Miyako), the Seto Inland Sea (Ako, Kagawa), and Noto Peninsula. Mass-volume nigari for tofu manufacturing flows through cooperatives, while specialty single-origin nigari has emerged as a premium retail and wellness category.

Premium Japanese rice cultivar (Koshihikari) cultivated in Niigata Prefecture under MAFF GI-protected designation. Niigata produces ~30% of Japan's Koshihikari by volume, with sub-regional brands (Uonuma, Iwafune, Sado) commanding premium pricing tiers. Distinguished by sticky, sweet, glossy cooked-rice texture and characteristic chewiness. Substantial export to Asian premium retail and increasingly fine-dining export. Distinct from existing 'mochigome' (glutinous rice) and 'premium-rice' trend entries.

Heritage hand-poured Japanese sea salt from Suzu (Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa). Made by the agehama method: seawater is hand-poured onto raked sand beds, sun-evaporated, then condensed in iron pans over wood fires. The technique is designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by the FAO and a Japanese intangible cultural heritage. Noto Saltworks and a handful of small producers maintain the practice; output is severely limited and the salt commands per-kg pricing 30-100× industrial sea salt. Used in fine-dining, premium retail, and as a flavour-positioning ingredient in confectionery.

Insoluble fibre and protein residue from soy-milk and tofu production. Long treated as feed/fertiliser in Japan, modern upcycling has converted okara into a high-fibre, high-protein functional food ingredient — used in plant-based meat alternatives, gluten-free baking, fibre-fortified supplements, and increasingly in cosmetic exfoliating formulations. Aichi, Niigata, and the broader tofu production heartland produce the largest volumes; specialty processors offer dried, defatted, and protein-isolate grades. Marketed as an upcycling success story aligning with sustainability and zero-waste retail trends.

Premium white-flesh peach cultivars (Hakuhō, Kawanakajima Hakutō, Shimizu Hakutō) cultivated primarily in Okayama Prefecture. Distinguished by exceptional sweetness (Brix 12-15+), white flesh, and a delicate aroma profile distinct from yellow peaches. Okayama produces the iconic 'Shimizu Hakutō' branded variety. Substantial premium fresh-fruit gift-economy export to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and increasingly the US. Distinct from existing fruit entries.

Okinawa kokutō is traditional unrefined cane sugar produced by open-pan boiling of freshly pressed sugarcane juice, without centrifugation or refining. GI registration covers production on 8 specific islands. Each island produces a subtly distinct flavor profile attributed to cultivar, soil, and local production tradition.

Tropical superfood (Moringa oleifera) cultivated commercially in Okinawa since the 2000s. Sub-tropical Okinawan climate enables year-round harvest of leaves, with strong year-round productivity. Domestic cultivation supports a premium moringa supply chain distinct from large-volume Indian and Philippine sources, with certain Okinawan producers organic-certified and GMP-equivalent processed. Used in supplement powders, moringa-cha, plant-protein blends, and cosmetic anti-ageing actives. The Okinawan-origin label supports super-food retail positioning.

Sulfated polysaccharide from Okinawa mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranus). Highest fucoidan content among commercial seaweeds (up to 85-90% purity).

Three species of turmeric cultivated in Okinawa. Autumn turmeric is curcumin-rich, spring and purple varieties are essential oil-rich.

Omi Beef from Shiga Prefecture — Japan's oldest documented wagyu brand (production since the early Edo period). One of the three most-prestigious wagyu brands (Kobe, Matsusaka, Omi) and the founding member of the wagyu trinity. Cattle raised in the cool waters and rolling hills around Lake Biwa, fed local rice straw. Substantial export volume to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and increasingly to US fine-dining.

Pearl protein (conchiolin) and mineral compounds extracted from akoya pearl oysters and shells. Mikimoto Pharmaceutical (ISO 22716 certified) developed multiple proprietary pearl-derived ingredients since 1966 and offers skincare OEM services.

Resinous mixture collected by honey bees from tree buds and used to seal hives. Japanese commercial propolis is largely processed from imported raw resin (primarily Brazilian green propolis) under strict Japanese supplement-grade standards, with limited Japan-domestic raw production. Japanese flavonoid + cinnamic-acid standardisation drives premium positioning in immune-support and cosmetic-skin-conditioning applications. Yamada Bee Farm and Honjien have built decade-old Brazilian-supply partnerships with Japanese-style processing standards. Distinct from royal jelly in active-ingredient profile.

Japanese carbonated soda packaged in the iconic Codd-neck bottle (sealed by a marble pushed down on first opening). Hata Soda (Tokyo, founded 1884) and other regional ramune producers maintain the heritage Codd-bottle production. The iconic packaging and nostalgic Japanese branding make ramune a recognisable export retail item across Asia, North America, and Europe. Original ramune flavour is lemon-lime; modern variants include yuzu, melon, sakura, matcha. Distinct from existing beverage entries.

Premium kombu variety from the Shiretoko-Rausu coast in eastern Hokkaido. Distinguished by an exceptionally rich, slightly fattier dashi character — sometimes called the 'king of kombu' in Kansai dashi circles. The cold Sea of Okhotsk waters around Rausu and the steep underwater shelf produce slow-growing kombu with thick, deeply flavoured fronds. Allocation-controlled supply through the Rausu Fisheries Cooperative; commands the highest per-kg pricing of any Japanese kombu variety. Distinct from the existing rishiri-kombu and ma-kombu entries in profile and price.

A foundational TCM/Kampo medicinal mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum). Japanese cultivation, primarily in Nagano and Niigata, evolved beyond traditional wild collection into standardised indoor cultivation in the 1970s. Modern Japanese reishi suppliers produce both fruiting-body and spore (hoshi) extracts, with the spore variant carrying premium pricing on the back of triterpene concentration. FFC notifications support immune-support positioning domestically. Substantial export to North American supplement and functional-coffee categories.

Light, delicate-flavoured honey from Chinese milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus, renge) — historically the dominant Japan-domestic honey before acacia took over. The plant is grown as a green-manure cover crop in rice fields, providing both soil nitrogen and nectar source. Production is in continuous decline as fewer farmers maintain renge cover crops; supply commands premium pricing for nostalgic 'kokusan' (domestic) labelling. Distinct from existing acacia-honey-japan entry.

Cultivated lotus rhizome, used as a vegetable in Japanese cuisine for 1,000+ years. Ibaraki Prefecture produces ~50% of Japan's commercial volume; Tokushima, Saga, and Yamaguchi round out supply. Characteristic crunchy, slightly fibrous texture with hollow channels in the rhizome. Functional positioning targets dietary-fibre and tannin content; cosmetic-grade extract is increasingly used in skin-soothing formulations. Distinct from existing vegetable entries.

Rice bran extract is derived from the pericarp and germ fractions of milled Oryza sativa. Long used in Japanese household skincare via togijiru (rice-rinsing water) and nukabukuro (rice-bran poultices). The extract concentrates gamma-oryzanol, ferulic acid, tocopherols, and B-vitamins, and pairs well with other rice-derived materials.

Rice-derived glucosylceramide is a sphingolipid extracted from rice germ or rice bran, used in both ingestible supplements and topical cosmetics. Japanese FFC notifications cite effects on skin moisture retention. Production leverages Japan's rice-milling byproducts, aligning with sustainability positioning.

Apple cider vinegar made primarily from Aomori apples — Japan's largest apple-producing region (>50% of national volume). Mizkan and smaller specialty producers in Aomori process apple cider through 1-2 year barrel-aging into a refined vinegar with rounder, less-sharp profile than industrial apple-vinegar concentrate. Marketed in Japan for digestive-health and metabolic-positioning beverages, and increasingly in Western-style salad dressings. Distinct from existing kurozu-kagoshima black-rice vinegar.

Premium kombu variety from the waters around Rishiri and Rebun islands in northern Hokkaido. Distinguished by clarity and depth of dashi (less sweet than ma-kombu, more refined than hidaka). Traditionally the kombu of choice for Kyoto kaiseki cuisine and ceremonial-grade dashi. Production is allocation-constrained — annual harvest is closely controlled by local fisheries cooperatives. Used in premium dashi, soup base, and kombu extract for cosmetic moisturisation lines.

Honey-bee secretion fed to queen larvae and bees in early life; harvested commercially as a high-amino-acid, high-protein supplement and cosmetic ingredient. Japan domestic royal-jelly production is dwarfed by Chinese supply, but Japanese cosmetic and supplement OEMs distinguish themselves on Japan-domestic + traceability + 10-HDA (10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid) standardisation. Yamada Bee Farm (Okayama) and Akita Bee Cooperative are the most-recognised Japanese sources; supply is heavily marketing-driven, with 'fresh royal jelly' (vs lyophilised) commanding multiplier pricing in Japan retail.

Dried, smoked, and aged mackerel (chub or blue mackerel) used as a dashi base in Kanto-style cuisines. Distinct from katsuobushi in fattier, richer profile, and traditionally blended with katsuobushi for noodle-broth (especially Edo-style soba). Production concentrated in Shizuoka (Yaizu, Makinohara) and Wakayama. The umami / inosinic-acid yield is comparable to katsuobushi but the lipid balance produces a more rounded broth that complements heavier soy-sauce sauces. Increasingly featured in export-grade premium dashi packs.

Premium wagyu beef from Saga Prefecture, Kyushu. Cattle raised under JA Saga cooperative-managed standards with strict BMS ≥7 requirement. Saga's mild Kyushu climate and Ariake Sea-anchored agriculture produce wagyu distinct from Honshu varieties. Substantial export to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and increasingly to halal-Muslim markets (Saga has the largest concentration of halal-certified wagyu abattoirs in Japan).

Sake extract is a concentrated preparation from Japanese rice wine, typically aqueous or hydro-alcoholic extraction capturing amino acids, peptides, and flavor actives. Cosmetic applications use non-alcoholic or low-alcohol fractions for moisturizing and brightening claims; food applications use sake concentrate in seasonings, glazes, and bakery.

Sake lees (酒粕, sakekasu) is the residual solid obtained after pressing fermented rice mash in sake brewing. Used in cosmetics for amino acids, peptides, and yeast-derived bioactives. Major sake-producing regions (Niigata, Nada, Fushimi, Saijō) supply upstream material. Well-suited to sustainability narratives as an upcycled brewing byproduct.

Proteoglycan extracted from salmon nasal cartilage, developed at Hirosaki University in Aomori Prefecture. Water-retention capacity approximately 1.3 times that of hyaluronic acid.

Salt-pickled Oshima Cherry leaves — the iconic wrapping for sakura-mochi confection. Matsuzaki Town (Shizuoka) produces approximately 70% of Japan's salt-pickled cherry leaves. Selected as one of Japan's 100 Fragrant Landscapes (Ministry of Environment, 2001).

Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) — Japan's autumn-cuisine icon. Hokkaido (Nemuro), Iwate (Ofunato), and Miyagi (Onagawa) are the principal commercial harvest ports. Catches have declined dramatically since 2015 due to changing sea temperatures; supply has shifted toward Taiwan / Russia imports. Used grilled (shio-yaki sanma is autumn-classic), in canned form for export retail, and as a feedstock for fish-oil DHA / EPA extraction. Distinct from existing seafood entries.

Wild-foraged seasonal mountain vegetables: warabi (bracken fern), zenmai (royal fern), fukinotou (butterbur sprout), kogomi (ostrich fern), udo, takenoko (bamboo shoot), tara-no-me (angelica tree shoot), among others. Gunma, Niigata, Akita, and Yamagata host the principal commercial sansai harvest. Distinct from cultivated vegetables; wild-forage carries traceability and place-of-origin storytelling. Increasingly used in fine-dining export and as functional-food ingredients on the back of bitter / phytochemical compounds.

Japanese mountain pepper (Zanthoxylum piperitum) — a native Japanese spice with a distinctive aromatic, tingling citrus-woody profile used for over a millennium in Japanese cuisine. Wakayama's Arida-gun (Budō sanshō cultivar) is the premier production region. Essential culinary companion to unagi, shichimi togarashi blends, and specialty confectionery. Cosmetic extracts also used in warming / circulation-positioned formulations.

Extract of kumazasa (dwarf bamboo) leaves, primarily Sasa veitchii and S. kurilensis from Japanese mountain regions. Used historically as a natural preservative for ekiben (railway lunchboxes) and traditional confectionery on the back of antibacterial polysaccharide content. Modern functional positioning leverages alkaline polysaccharide and chlorophyll-derived actives for both cosmetic (deodorising / antibacterial) and food-supplement (digestive / antioxidant) applications. Hokkaido and Nagano are the principal commercial harvest regions.

Sencha is the most widely consumed Japanese green tea. The extract form is spray-dried or concentrated for use in beverages, supplements, and functional foods. Catechins, L-theanine, caffeine, and chlorophyll are key actives. Several FFC products cite sencha polyphenol or specific catechin content for metabolism claims.

Classic Japanese seven-spice blend — typically chili pepper, sansho pepper, dried orange peel (chinpi), nori, sesame, hemp seed, and ginger / shiso (variants exist). The three heritage shichimi houses — Yagenbori (Tokyo Asakusa, 1625), Shichimiya Honpo (Kyoto Kiyomizu-zaka, 1655), and Yawataya Isogoro (Nagano Zenkoji, 1736) — anchor the artisanal supply chain. Modern industrial-scale supply (S&B Foods et al) provides retail volume. Used as table condiment, in udon / soba toppings, and increasingly in Western fusion cooking.

Hot-water extract of cultured shiitake mycelium, distinct from the fruiting body in active-ingredient profile. Japanese R&D has standardised lentinan and LEM (Lentinula Edodes Mycelium extract) preparations since the 1980s for immune-support positioning. Major industrial producers in Mie, Gifu, and Niigata supply both supplement and functional-food markets, with substantial export to North American and European immune-positioned supplement brands. Distinct from shiitake-fruiting-body extracts (which are part of the existing 'shiitake-functional' trend coverage).

Small freshwater / brackish clam (Corbicula japonica) — Lake Shinji (Shimane) and Tone River (Ibaraki / Chiba) are the principal commercial sources. Lake Shinji's Yamato Shijimi commands GI-equivalent regional pricing. Functional positioning targets ornithine content for liver-support / hangover-relief retail (FFC notifications exist, anchored by Yamato Shijimi). Used in shijimi miso soup, freeze-dried supplements, and increasingly as a B2B ornithine ingredient. Distinct from existing seafood entries.

Small citrus native to Ryukyu Islands. Contains the highest nobiletin concentration among citrus fruits.

Cluster mushroom group sold under the shimeji name in Japan — primarily bunashimeji (Hypsizygus marmoreus, cultivated) and the much rarer hon-shimeji (Lyophyllum shimeji, partially cultivated since 2004). Nagano dominates cultivation; bunashimeji is the supermarket staple of the cluster category. Used in soups, stir-fries, hot pots, and increasingly in plant-based-protein retail. Distinct from existing maitake / shiitake / enoki / eringi entries.

Premium buckwheat-flour noodle from Nagano (the historical 'Shinshu' province). Four types of Nagano soba (Togakushi, Kaida-Kogen, Yamatoyama, Tobishima) are recognised as MAFF-registered or regional brand specialties. Nagano produces over 50% of Japan's buckwheat (Hokkaido leading recently); the high-altitude cool climate favours premium buckwheat cultivars used for the Shinshu soba. Distinct from existing 'buckwheat-extract' (functional-extract) entry; this is the noodle product.

Shio koji is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from rice koji, salt, and water, aged for 1–2 weeks. Enzymes from the koji tenderize meats, develop umami, and accelerate marinade action. Commercial forms include liquid, paste, and powder. Cosmetic extracts derived from shio koji are used in moisturizing and brightening formulations.

Juvenile sardine and anchovy fry (typically <30mm), boiled and either eaten fresh, semi-dried (kama-age, chirimen), or fully-dried (chirimen-jako). Shizuoka, Kanagawa, Wakayama, Hyogo, and Kochi are the principal commercial harvest regions. Calcium-rich (~2,000 mg/100g dry) and increasingly used as a calcium-fortification ingredient in functional foods. Distinct from existing niboshi entry (which is a smaller-volume, larger-fish anchovy).

Niche Japanese soy sauce variant produced primarily in Aichi (Hekinan, Mie). Distinguished by very light golden colour and high wheat content (90%+, vs ~50% in standard koikuchi), with proportionally less soybean. Used as a 'colourless' soy sauce in Kyoto and chef-sushi cuisines where koikuchi would darken delicate ingredients (clear soup, white-fleshed fish). Production is small (under a dozen producers); Yamasa Shouyu and Hekinan-region niche producers anchor supply. Distinct from existing soy-sauce entries.

White-koji mold (Aspergillus luchuensis var. kawachii) — distinct from the yellow-koji of sake and miso, and from the black-koji of awamori. Discovered in Kawachi (Kagoshima) in the early 20th century, shiro-koji enables citric-acid-pathway fermentation that suits warm-climate honkaku shōchū production. Commercially supplied by the Akita Konno Shoten and other specialist starter-culture (moyashi-ya) producers. Distinct from existing shio-koji and amazake (which are koji-derived foods, not the starter mold itself).

Seeds of red and green perilla (shiso, Perilla frutescens) — a high-omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) seed grown in Japan and traditionally pressed for perilla seed oil (shiso-yu). Distinct from the existing 'shiso-extract' (leaf-derived) and 'perilla-seed-oil' (the pressed oil) — this entry is the seed and seed-meal ingredient. Used in functional-food applications (omega-3 fortification, plant-protein blends), as a baking and confectionery ingredient (gomashio-style accents), and as a cosmetic exfoliant. Aichi, Hokkaido, and Niigata anchor the principal cultivation.

Perilla frutescens, known in Japan as shiso (紫蘇), is a herb of the mint family used in Japanese cooking and traditional medicine. The leaves contain rosmarinic acid, perillaldehyde, and anthocyanins (in the red variety). Used in cosmetics for soothing and antioxidant positioning.

Liquid and solid residue from honkaku shōchū distillation. Long historically a feed/fertiliser by-product, recent research has identified amino-acid and peptide-rich active fractions with humectant and skin-conditioning properties. Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and Kumamoto — the heartland of imo (sweet potato) and mugi (barley) shōchū production — generate the largest volumes. Used in cosmetic moisturising lines and as a feedstock for fermented-supplement ingredients. Distinct from sake-kasu (rice/koji) in profile.

The structural protein of silk (~70-75% of cocoon mass), with hydrolysed forms used in cosmetics and biomedical applications. Distinct from sericin (the gum coating), fibroin's beta-sheet crystal structure gives it superior film-forming and tensile properties; medical-grade fibroin scaffolds are emerging in wound dressings and tissue engineering. Japanese sericulture in Gunma, Nagano, and Saitama supplies cocoon stock; specialty processors hydrolyse fibroin for cosmetic ingredient grades. Often paired with sericin in moisture-and-strengthening positioning.

Water-soluble silk protein extracted from the cocoon of Bombyx mori silkworms. Historically a by-product of fibroin (fiber-grade silk) extraction, sericin's high serine content (~30%) gives it strong film-forming and humectant properties for skincare formulations. Japan's silk industry — concentrated in Gunma, Nagano, and Saitama — has rebuilt around high-grade sericin production since the 2000s, using cocoons from JA Silk and small remaining sericulture cooperatives. Used in moisturisers, hair-care, and increasingly in injectable/wound-care medical applications.

Standardised extract of common (Fagopyrum esculentum) or tartary (F. tataricum) buckwheat, primarily standardised to rutin content. Tartary buckwheat carries 5–10× the rutin of common buckwheat and is the basis of high-end functional food positioning. Hokkaido produces about 50% of Japan's domestic buckwheat by volume; Nagano, Iwate, and Yamagata round out the supply. Used in functional foods for circulatory support, in tartary-buckwheat tea, and as a feedstock for rutin-positioned supplements.

Buckwheat-based honkaku shōchū — a niche category dominated by 'Unkai' brand (Miyazaki) and a handful of producers in Iwate, Nagano, and Akita. Distinguished by characteristic buckwheat aroma carry-over from the still. Increasingly featured in Western cocktail bar export under the 'Japanese spirit' positioning. Distinct from imo and mugi shōchū entries; aligns with Japan's broader buckwheat heritage.

Very thin (1-1.3 mm) wheat noodle, traditionally hand-stretched and aged. Three principal Japanese GI-protected origins: Miwa Sōmen (Nara, 1,300+ year heritage), Ibonoito Sōmen (Hyogo), and Shimabara Sōmen (Nagasaki). Distinguished from udon by thinness and from cold soba by wheat composition. Heritage production involves multi-day stretching / aging cycles; mass-volume retail is increasingly machine-extruded. A summer specialty served cold with mentsuyu dipping sauce.

Soy isoflavones (aglycone and glycoside forms) and S-Equol produced by Lactococcus 20-92 fermentation. Otsuka Pharmaceutical's 'Equelle' (2014) was the world's first commercial fermented-soy Equol supplement. Only ~50% of Japanese (~30% of Western) women naturally produce Equol from dietary soy.

Small green sour citrus (Citrus sudachi) produced in Tokushima Prefecture (>95% of national volume). Distinguished from kabosu and yuzu by its small size (~30g), sharper acidity, and intensely aromatic peel. Used in matsutake mushroom dashi (its classical pairing), Japanese udon and soba, ponzu sauces, and as a fine-dining garnish over sashimi. The peel oil is increasingly used in cosmetic and fragrance applications. A Tokushima Prefecture protected regional brand.

Pink-translucent deep-sea shrimp (Sergia lucens) commercially harvested almost exclusively from Suruga Bay (Shizuoka Prefecture) in Japan. Annual harvest is allocation-controlled by the Yui Fisheries Cooperative; output measures in tonnes vs hundreds of tonnes for less-regulated origins. Used dried (kara-ebi) on top of okonomiyaki, takoyaki, soba, and as a calcium-rich supplement ingredient. Distinct from existing seafood entries.

Japan's most-fished cephalopod (Todarodes pacificus) — used fresh as sashimi / sushi, dried (surume), as the base of squid-rice (ika-meshi), and as the source of squid ink for pasta / risotto / cosmetic black pigment. Hokkaido (Hakodate), Aomori, and Iwate lead commercial harvest. Substantial export supply for Asian retail and increasingly Western fine-dining. Squid ink (ika-sumi) drives a cosmetic-grade pigment supply chain. Distinct from other seafood entries.

Japanese mustard greens (Brassica juncea), pickled in salt and aged. Three regional GI-protected varieties: Aso Takana (Kumamoto), Miike Takana (Fukuoka), and Unzen Takana (Nagasaki). Pickled takana is the classic accompaniment to Hakata tonkotsu ramen and Kyushu rice dishes. Production has been industrialised through SME-cooperative producers; Mishima Foods supplies a major share of retail furikake using takana. Distinct from existing fermented condiment entries.

Spring bamboo shoot — primarily Phyllostachys edulis (mōsōchiku), the most-consumed Japanese bamboo shoot variety. Kyoto, Fukuoka, and Kagoshima are the principal production regions; Kyoto's mōsōchiku production carries 'Tamba Takenoko' regional positioning. Domestic Japanese production has been declining vs imported Chinese supply, but premium Tamba and Kyoto-region takenoko commands multiple-of-imported pricing. Used fresh, boiled, in nimono, and increasingly in vegan / plant-based meal-replacement product positioning. Distinct from existing vegetable entries.

Pickled daikon radish — a foundational Japanese tsukemono with 400+ year heritage. Production methods: shio-takuan (salt-only), nuka-takuan (rice-bran fermented, the heritage style), kasu-takuan (sake-lees pickled). Iyo (Ehime) and Hyogo dominate commercial production. Modern industrial-scale takuan often uses turmeric for the iconic yellow color; heritage producers preserve the traditional white-aged version. Distinct from existing fermented food entries.

Heritage Japanese soy sauce variant — primarily soybean (often 100%, with no wheat or only minor wheat content), originally a by-product of miso production (the 'tamari' liquid that pools). Aichi and Mie are the heritage producers; Sanshu Mikawa Tamari (Aichi) is the recognised premium grade. The wheat-free version is the de-facto gluten-free shōyu category, increasingly export-relevant. Distinct from existing shōyu entries; Yamaroku and Kakukyu (existing) produce kioke-aged tamari.

Premium Japanese chestnut cultivar (Castanea crenata) from the Tamba region (eastern Hyogo, north-central Kyoto). Distinguished by exceptionally large bean size (60-70 g per nut, vs typical 20-25g) and a sweet, dense flesh. Tamba Kuri is GI-protected; the Sasayama / Tamba district has 800+ year heritage as the recognised premium origin. Used in luxury wagashi (kuri-yokan, kuri-manju, marron-glacé), Japanese-style mont blanc, and increasingly in upscale Western fine-dining. Distinct from the existing tochi-no-mi (horse chestnut) entry and the kanten / soybean-based confectionery ingredients.

Premium large black soybean (kuromame) cultivated in the Tamba region (eastern Hyogo / north-central Kyoto). Distinguished by exceptional bean size (~100 beans per 30g vs typical 70 per 30g) and anthocyanin-rich black seed coat. Used in osechi (New Year) confectionery, kuromame-cha (black-bean tea), and as feedstock for anthocyanin-positioned functional food extracts. Production is GI-protected ('Tamba Kuromame' GI registered with MAFF), with cooperative-controlled volume that drives premium pricing. Distinct from the existing 'kinako' (roasted soybean flour) entry.

Red seaweed (Gelidium amansii) — the principal raw material for traditional Japanese kanten (agar) production. Distinct from kanten (the finished gelling agent) in being the marine harvest stage. Izu (Shizuoka), Boso Peninsula (Chiba), Kii Peninsula (Wakayama, Mie), and Tosa Bay (Kochi) are the heritage tengusa-harvesting regions. Wild-harvest divers (mostly female 'ama' divers in some regions) collect tengusa during summer months; the harvested seaweed is sun-dried, then sold to specialty kanten producers in Nagano (for traditional kaku-kanten) and Gifu (for industrial agar). A foundational layer of the Japanese agar supply chain.

Japanese horse chestnut (Aesculus turbinata) — the foundation of regional confectionery in Tōhoku, Hokuriku, and the mountainous central Japan. Tochi mochi (horse-chestnut mochi) is a regional speciality particularly in Niigata, Toyama, Iwate, and Nagano. The nuts require a multi-day water-leaching process to remove tannins; this artisan know-how is now concentrated in small confectionery producers and mountain villages. Distinct from tochi-honey (the related horse-chestnut honey varietal). Used in mochi confectionery, regional specialty bread, and increasingly in upscale Japanese dessert lines.

Tochū-cha (eucommia leaf tea) and the bark are core herbal materials in TCM and Kampo. Modern functional positioning emphasises asperuloside and pinoresinol diglucoside, with FFC notifications in Japan referencing blood-pressure and triglyceride support. Domestic Japanese cultivation is concentrated in Nagano and Yamagata; the leaf-based supply for tea and supplements is largely Japan-domestic, while the bark draws on both Japanese and Chinese sourcing. Increasingly used in caffeine-free RTD beverage applications.

Cultivated cordyceps (typically Cordyceps militaris in Japanese commercial cultivation) — distinct from the wild Cordyceps sinensis that historically commanded six-figure pricing in TCM. Japanese cultivation emerged in the 2000s with rice-substrate and silkworm-substrate methodologies. Niigata, Mie, and Tochigi host the principal commercial producers. Standardised cordycepin and adenosine content drives both supplement and increasingly Japanese sake-yeast / koji-cordyceps fusion ingredient positioning. A reference cultivated alternative to wild Tibetan plateau cordyceps for compliance-conscious supplement formulators.

Steam-distilled essential oil from todomatsu (Abies sachalinensis), the Sakhalin fir endemic to Hokkaido. Hokkaido's forestry industry has a long history of utilising todomatsu lumber, with branch and leaf upcycling into essential oil emerging as a high-value secondary product since the 2000s. Aroma profile is fresh, woody, and crisply piney — reminiscent of hinoki but distinct in the alpha-pinene / bornyl-acetate balance. Used in aromatherapy, premium home fragrance, and increasingly in cosmetic and hair-care formulations as a Hokkaido-positioned natural fragrance.

Vinegar-aged, paper-thin shaved kombu — a Toyama / Fukui specialty. Made by stacking aged whole kombu, pressing through vinegar fermentation, then shaving with razor-thin precision. The shaved-kombu format dissolves rapidly in hot water (a quick instant dashi) and adds umami to onigiri / soup / udon. Toyama produces ~80% of Japan's tororo kombu; Yamatoya and Kobashi-Showado are reference producers. Distinct from existing kombu entries (raw kelp varieties).

Camellia oil is a cold-pressed or solvent-refined plant oil extracted from the seeds of Camellia japonica, a species native to Japan, Korea, and southern China. Used in Japan for over a thousand years for hair and skin care. Traditional production centers include the Goto Islands in Nagasaki and Izu Oshima off Tokyo. Rich in oleic acid with a light, non-greasy feel.

Thick wheat noodle, Japan's most-consumed noodle category by volume. Three regional GI-protected varieties: Sanuki Udon (Kagawa, the world-recognised reference), Inaniwa Udon (Akita, the thin-noodle premium variety), and Mizusawa Udon (Gunma). Sanuki Udon production at Kagawa industrial scale anchors export retail; Inaniwa Udon's tatamiage-noshi technique commands premium pricing. Distinct from existing soba / wheat-derived entries.

Concentrated extract of ume (Prunus mume) fruit, the basis of umeboshi, umeshu (plum liqueur), and umejam. Wakayama produces over 60% of Japan's ume by volume — its 'Nanko' cultivar is a registered GI variety. Concentrated ume (bainiku-ekisu) is a traditional functional food positioned for digestive and metabolic support, and its citric acid + organic acids profile drives both food and cosmetic applications. Used in candy, beverages, fermented condiments, and increasingly as a flavour-and-functional input for export positioning.

Salt-cured Japanese plum — distinct from the existing 'ume-plum-extract' (concentrated extract) entry. Wakayama Nanko cultivar (existing GI in 'ume-plum-extract') is the dominant raw material; production methodology divides into shio-umeboshi (traditional salt-only, 18-20% salt), and the modern hachimitsu-umeboshi (lower-salt, sweetened with honey). Functional positioning targets citric-acid content for digestive support and electrolyte hydration applications. Used in onigiri filling, bento accent, and as a daily-use pantry ingredient.

Edible green algae from Okinawan and Southeast Asian waters, characterised by its distinctive 'caviar of the sea' bubble texture from saline-filled vesicles. Okinawan production is concentrated in Onna, Itoman, and Kume Island. Live shipping in saline solution is standard for premium grades; freeze-dried and lightly-salted formats serve export markets. Marketed for export within Okinawa-longevity supplements positioning and as a luxury salad / sashimi garnish in upscale Asian and Western fine-dining.

Sea urchin gonads — Japan's most-prized seafood delicacy, one of the three classic delicacies (sankin) alongside karasumi and konowata. Hokkaido (Rishiri, Rebun, Yoichi) and Iwate dominate Pacific-bafun-uni and ezo-bafun-uni production, while Yamaguchi and Kyushu contribute murasaki-uni. Live-shipping in saltwater commands the highest premium; salt-cured and 'shio-uni' preserved formats serve export markets. Distinct from existing seafood entries.

The Satsuma mandarin — Japan's most-cultivated citrus by volume (~40% of all Japanese citrus production). Wakayama, Ehime, Shizuoka, and Kumamoto dominate. Distinguished by seedlessness, easy-peel rind, and refreshing sweet-tart balance. Beyond fresh fruit, mikan peel (chinpi) is a classical Kampo herbal raw material with long medicinal history; the peel is also extracted for cosmetic applications. The 'Satsuma' name reflects the variety's introduction to the West from Satsuma province (Kagoshima) in the late 19th century.

Light-coloured Japanese soy sauce, distinct from the dominant koikuchi (standard dark) shōyu. Tatsuno (Hyogo) is the recognised heritage origin since the 16th century. Higashimaru Shoyu (founded 1666 in Tatsuno) anchors industrial production. Distinguished from koikuchi by lighter colour (achieved via shorter aging and added amazake-style sweet rice ferment), saltier profile, and use in Kansai-style cuisine for ingredient-colour preservation. Distinct from existing soy-sauce-kioke entry (which is a kioke-fermented heritage variant).

Rendered fat from wagyu beef carcasses, distinguished by exceptional unsaturated-fatty-acid composition (oleic acid 50-55% vs typical beef tallow ~40%). Japanese rendering by specialty meat processors in Hyogo (Kobe), Saga, Miyazaki, and Hokkaido produces multiple grades — yakiniku-grade tallow for restaurant supply, fine-dining-grade premium fat for chefs and patisserie, and increasingly cosmetic-grade lanolin-style emollient for skincare. Distinct from existing wagyu-related entries.

Authentic Japanese wasabi (Wasabia japonica) grown in pristine mountain-stream conditions — distinct from the horseradish-based pseudo-wasabi common internationally. Shizuoka (Utogi, Izu) and Nagano are primary production regions. The rhizome is stone-grated for sushi accompaniment; powder and stabilized paste formats serve food manufacturing applications.

Premium fine-grain Japanese sugar produced in Kagawa and Tokushima from take-shōba sugarcane via a labour-intensive 'togi' (kneading) refining process. Wasanbon is regarded as the most-refined granulated sugar in Japan and is the foundation of the highest-tier wagashi confectionery (rakugan, higashi). Output is severely limited — fewer than 10 producers maintain the traditional method, and annual volume measures in tonnes (vs millions for industrial sugar). Per-kg pricing is 30-100× refined white sugar.

Kioke-fermented soy sauce is brewed in traditional Japanese cedar barrels (kioke, 木桶), some of which are over 100 years old and carry resident microbial communities. Most modern commercial soy sauce uses stainless-steel tanks; kioke production has contracted to a small number of specialist breweries concentrated in Shōdoshima, Yuasa, and Chiba.

Andean tuber introduced to Japan in the 1980s and now cultivated commercially in Ibaraki, Nagano, and Hokkaido. Functional positioning centres on fructooligosaccharide (FOS) content — yacon roots are 60-70% FOS, the highest naturally-occurring concentration of any commonly-cultivated crop. FFC notifications support digestive-health and metabolic positioning. Sold fresh as a salad-and-juicing tuber, dried as yacon-cha (yacon tea), and processed into syrup as a low-glycemic natural sweetener. Distinct from existing 'kuzu-starch' and 'mochigome' carbohydrate-related entries.

Wild Japanese grape (Vitis coignetiae) native to Tōhoku and Hokkaido. Dramatically smaller and more acidic than European wine grapes, but with anthocyanin and resveratrol concentrations 2–4× higher. Iwate Prefecture is the centre of commercial cultivation and processing — local cooperatives produce yamabudō juice, jelly, wine, and increasingly resveratrol-rich extract concentrates for the international supplement market. Iwate's Kuji and Kunohe districts have GI-protected branding for yamabudō wine.

Cultivated lion's mane mushroom — Japanese cultivation pioneered the indoor-grown commercial supply that now dominates the global supplement market. Functional positioning centers on hericenones and erinacines (terpenoid actives) studied for nerve growth factor (NGF) activity. Niigata, Nagano and Hokkaido producers supply both domestic functional food and substantial exports for the cognitive / nootropic supplement segment. Fruiting body and mycelium fractions have different active profiles and command different pricing.

Native Japanese yam (Dioscorea japonica) and the related cultivated nagaimo (D. opposita), distinguished by the viscous mucin-rich tuber flesh that drives both culinary and functional positioning. Aomori produces over 50% of Japan's nagaimo for export and domestic processing; jinenjo (wild yamaimo) commands premium pricing in retail and restaurants. Used in tororo, okonomiyaki batter, soba-noodle binder, and increasingly as a freeze-dried functional ingredient for digestive-support supplements.

Premium Japanese hybrid grape (Kyoho cultivar developed 1937 in Shizuoka) — Yamanashi Prefecture is the leading commercial producer. Distinguished by exceptionally large fruit size (~14g per berry vs ~5g for Concord), intense sweetness (Brix 18-20), and a thick black-purple skin rich in anthocyanin. Used as a premium gift fruit, in juice for premium beverage retail, and increasingly as feedstock for resveratrol / anthocyanin functional ingredients. Distinct from existing yamabudo (wild Japanese grape) entry.

Japanese mugwort species, distinct from Korean Artemisia asiatica. Long-standing use in kampo and Okinawan cuisine (Fuchiba).

Premium wagyu beef from Yamagata Prefecture (Yonezawa region). One of Japan's three major wagyu brands of the Tōhoku region (Yonezawa, Maezawa, Yamagata). MAFF GI-protected; cattle must be raised in the Okitama region of Yamagata for at least the final 32 months. Distinguished by clean snow-fed water and the cold mountain climate's effect on fat-marbling profile. Distinct from existing Kobe / Matsusaka / Omi wagyu entries.

Tofu skin formed by skimming the protein-fat film off heated soy milk. Kyoto and Nikko (Tochigi) are the two heritage producers; Kyoto-style yuba is thinner and sweeter, Nikko-style is thicker and chewier. A central ingredient of shojin ryori (Buddhist temple cuisine) and Kyoto kaiseki. High protein (~25% wet, 50%+ dry), low carbohydrate, and the 'plant-based meat' equivalent Japan has used for centuries. Distinct from existing tofu-okara entry.

Premium Japanese melon hybrid (Yubari King) cultivated exclusively in Yubari city, Hokkaido. Distinguished by orange flesh, intense sweetness (Brix 13-15+), and exceptional uniformity — a result of single-origin cooperative cultivation under controlled greenhouse conditions. Pairs of Yubari melons routinely auction for $5,000-$30,000+ in season. Cooperative-trademark protected; only Yubari-cultivated fruit qualifies for the Yubari King name. Substantial gift-economy and ultra-premium retail export to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and the US.

Premium Hokkaido-developed rice cultivar (released 2008) — the flagship Hokkaido rice positioned to compete with Koshihikari. JA Hokkaido cooperative-managed eating-quality standards (Brix-equivalent score ≥80, protein <7.4%) gate the Yumepirika label use. Distinguished by exceptionally sticky, sweet, glossy cooked-rice texture — many Japanese tasters now rate Yumepirika top-tier alongside Uonuma Koshihikari. Distinct from existing rice entries.

Yuzu (Citrus junos) is a Japanese citrus with a distinctive aromatic profile. Kōchi prefecture is Japan's largest producer. The peel yields essential oil dominated by d-limonene, while aqueous extracts carry flavonoids and citric acid. Used in fragrance, bath products, and skin-conditioning toners.

Fermented paste of yuzu zest, chili pepper (typically Takanotsume green or red), and salt — a signature condiment of Kyushu, especially Oita Prefecture. Production is concentrated in Hita and Yufu in Oita, with Fukuoka and Kumamoto also producing notable volume. The paste is fermented 1-3 months and traditionally used with grilled meat, hot pot, and sashimi. Increasingly featured in Western fine-dining as a Japanese citrus-heat condiment with the green-yuzu version commanding premium pricing.

Cold-pressed oil extracted from yuzu seeds — historically a juice-pressing waste stream now upcycled into a high-value cosmetic ingredient. The oil is rich in pectin-like polysaccharides and omega-3/-6 fatty acids, with a distinct yuzu fragrance carried over from the citrus terpenes. Kochi (the largest yuzu-producing prefecture), Tokushima, and Tokushima/Wakayama drive supply. Functions as a non-comedogenic emollient with the additional fragrance asset of yuzu, used in face oils, balms, and hair treatments. Distinct from yuzu peel oil (existing yuzu-extract).