Why source from Japan
Aomori has 50+ year history of nagaimo export to Asia (especially Taiwan / Hong Kong); jinenjo wild-collection cooperatives in Nagano and Hyogo set the gold standard.
Key spec
Mucin-protein content 0.3–1.2% wet; diosgenin 0.05–0.2% in dried product; allantoin 50–150 mg/100g fresh.
Typical end-product
Fresh export (Asia premium retail), freeze-dried digestive-support supplements, traditional-food convenience products.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 1 supplier
- Typical MOQ
- 100 kg fresh; 10–50 kg powder; 5–25 kg freeze-dried
- Typical lead time
- 4–8 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Aomori (>50% nagaimo), Hokkaido, Nagano (jinenjo), Hyogo (Tamba)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- October – December (autumn harvest); March – April (spring harvest)
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; FFC notifications exist for diosgenin / mucin; cosmetic use under JSCI
- Japanese name
- 山芋
- Romaji
- Yamaimo
About this ingredient
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.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; FFC notifications exist for diosgenin / mucin; cosmetic use under JSCI |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; phytosanitary certificate required for fresh tuber |
| United States | GRAS by traditional food use; MoCRA cosmetic use |
| China | Imported tuber; GACC registration; AQSIQ phytosanitary inspection |
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
Yamaimo (Japanese Mountain Yam) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Sansho Pepper
山椒
Zanthoxylum piperitum source; INCI Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract; MOQ from 1–10 kg (dried peppercorn); 100 g – 5 kg (powder).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Wasabi Powder
山葵粉末
Wasabia japonica (Eutrema japonicum) source; INCI Wasabia Japonica Root Powder; MOQ from 1–10 kg (powder); 100 kg+ (bulk paste).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Shio Koji
塩麹
MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Easier China regulatory path
Yamaimo (Japanese Mountain Yam) faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in China. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Sansho Pepper
山椒
Zanthoxylum piperitum source; INCI Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract; MOQ from 1–10 kg (dried peppercorn); 100 g – 5 kg (powder).
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Wasabi Powder
山葵粉末
Wasabia japonica (Eutrema japonicum) source; INCI Wasabia Japonica Root Powder; MOQ from 1–10 kg (powder); 100 kg+ (bulk paste).
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Shio Koji
塩麹
MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Okashi Goten Co., Ltd.
株式会社御菓子御殿
Yomitan, OkinawaExport experienceYamaimo confectionery line
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Last updated: 2026-05-05