Why source from Japan
Japan-domestic black sesame's rare-supply premium underpins Suntory Sesamin-EX and similar functional-food lines; traceability vs imported supply.
Key spec
Sesamin + sesamolin 0.5-1.2% of fat; protein 19-23%; black seed-coat anthocyanin elevated.
Typical end-product
Sesamin functional supplements, premium black-sesame paste / oil, gomashio-style retail.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 2 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 10–50 kg whole; 5–25 kg roasted; 1–10 kg standardised extract
- Typical lead time
- 8–12 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Iwate
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- August – October
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; FFC notifications exist (sesamin)
- Japanese name
- 国産黒胡麻
- Romaji
- 国産黒胡麻
About this ingredient
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.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; FFC notifications exist (sesamin) |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; allergen labelling for some markets |
| United States | GRAS; sesame-allergen labelling per FALCPA (FDA 2023) |
| China | GACC food facility registration |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Japanese Black Sesame is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
γ-アミノ酪酸
FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 10–50 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Nattokinase
ナットウキナーゼ
Serine protease from Bacillus subtilis var. natto source; FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 100 g – 10 kg (concentrated powder).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Soy Isoflavones & Equol
大豆イソフラボン・エクオール
Glycine max (soybean); Lactococcus 20-92 (for Equol fermentation) source; FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 1 kg (concentrate) – 100 kg (lower-concentration grades).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Easier China regulatory path
Japanese Black Sesame faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in China. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
γ-アミノ酪酸
FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 10–50 kg.
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Yamanashi Kyoho Grape
山梨巨峰
Brix 18-20; berry weight ~14g; anthocyanin 40-80 mg/100g (skin); thick skin reduces shelf-life to 1-2 weeks.
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Renkon (Lotus Root)
蓮根
Dietary fibre 2-3%; tannin 0.1-0.3% (skin-soothing positioning); vitamin C 30-50 mg/100g.
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Kadoya Bunjiro Shoten
角谷文治郎商店
Hekinan (Mikawa), AichiEst. 1910English supportExport experience2016 Ise-Shima Summit institutional useBlack sesame oil and paste retail
J-Oil Mills, Inc.
Ｊ－オイルミルズ株式会社
Chuo, TokyoEst. 2002English supportExport experienceFSSC 22000ISO 22000Sesame oil B2B production
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Last updated: 2026-05-05