Japan Plant-based Seafood Market Size and Growth Overview (2025-2033)

Market Size in 2024: USD 6.2 Million 

Market Forecast in 2033: USD 79.0 Million

Market Growth Rate 2025-2033: 28.90%

According to the latest report by IMARC Group, the Japan plant-based seafood market size reached USD 6.2 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 79.0 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 28.90% during 2025-2033. 

Request a PDF sample for more detailed market insights (2026 edition): https://www.imarcgroup.com/japan-plant-based-seafood-market/requestsample

How AI is Reshaping the Future of Japan Plant-based Seafood Market:

• AI-enabled product development is accelerating the creation of plant-based seafood that mimics authentic taste and texture, enhancing consumer acceptance.
• Retail analytics powered by AI help supermarkets and convenience stores optimize stock levels and promote plant-based seafood items more effectively, capitalizing on rising consumer demand.
• AI-driven supply chain optimization improves the sourcing of raw materials like soy and seaweed, reducing waste and boosting sustainability initiatives in Japan.
• Machine learning models analyze consumer behavior data from social media trends, aiding companies in tailoring marketing strategies to growing vegan and flexitarian populations.
• AI applications in food processing enable novel production techniques, such as those used by NH Foods with konjac flour and dietary fiber to mimic tuna sashimi texture.
• With government interest in sustainable food technologies, AI technology supports compliance and regulatory assessments, pushing innovation in the market.

Market Growth Factors

The rising vegan and flexitarian trends in Japan significantly propel the plant-based seafood market. According to data from the World Population Review, the vegan population in Japan reached 2.7% in the current market period. These consumers, motivated by environmental and ethical concerns related to traditional fishing practices, increasingly seek sustainable and health-conscious alternatives. The demand extends beyond strict vegans to flexitarians who prefer plant-based seafood for perceived health benefits and alignment with sustainable lifestyles. Within a country where seafood is a dietary staple, there is a burgeoning interest in plant-based variants of sushi, sashimi, and other traditional dishes made from soy, seaweed, and other plant ingredients. Urban youth and social media trends further accelerate acceptance and innovation in plant-based seafood offerings.

The expansion of retail channels is a crucial growth driver for the plant-based seafood market in Japan. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) reported a 2.8% year-on-year increase in retail sales in November, surpassing earlier forecasts of a 1.5% rise. This expansion includes supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty food outlets that have started stocking various plant-based seafood products. Wider availability, including in ready-to-eat meals, frozen sections, and bento boxes, improves consumer access and willingness to try these alternatives. Retailers’ promotional activities, such as in-store tastings and clear labeling, help raise awareness and drive trials of new products. This broad retail presence is critical in Japan, where freshness and convenience strongly influence food purchasing decisions.

Technological innovation and product development also play a pivotal role in market growth. For instance, companies like NH Foods have launched innovative products such as plant-based tuna sashimi made from konjac flour, dietary fiber, and yeast rendered through unique processing techniques that closely mimic the texture and consistency of real tuna. Similarly, Azuma Foods introduced a new range of plant-based seafood products under the Green Surf brand, including tuna, salmon, and squid, aiming to reduce the pressure on marine resources. These innovations highlight the market’s capacity to cater to consumer preferences for taste and sustainability, reinforcing the attractiveness and competitive edge of plant-based seafood in Japan.

Market Segmentation

Product Type Insights:

• Fish Products
• Prawn and Shrimp Products
• Crab Products

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others

Regional Insights:

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

For deeper insights, request a customized version of this report (2026 edition): https://www.imarcgroup.com/request?type=report&id=32475&flag=E

Recent Development & News

• In March 2024, Azuma Foods, the prominent Japanese food item manufacturer, introduced a new range of plant-based seafood, ‘Future Fish’, under its Green Surf brand. The new line that included tuna, salmon, and squid sought to provide animal-free options to alleviate the pressure on marine resources from fishing.
• In January 2024, NH Foods unveiled a plant-based tuna sashimi for the food service industry in Japan. It was created from plant-oriented components, such as konjac flour, dietary fiber, and yeast, utilizing a unique processing technique to mimic the smooth consistency of tuna. The item was to be offered frozen, with prices lower than tuna.

If you require any specific information that is not currently covered within the scope of the report, we will provide the same as part of the customization.

About Us

IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world’s most ambitious changemakers to create a lasting impact. The company provides a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include thorough market assessment, feasibility studies, company incorporation assistance, factory setup support, regulatory approvals and licensing navigation, branding, marketing and sales strategies, competitive landscape and benchmarking analyses, pricing and cost research, and procurement research.

Contact Us:
Street: 563-13 Kamien
Area: Iwata
Country: Tokyo, Japan
Postal Code: 4380111
Email: sales@imarcgroup.com