Japanese Companies Expand Halal-Certified Food Exports to Muslim Markets

Japanese Companies Expand Halal-Certified Food Exports to Muslim Markets
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Japanese food producers are increasingly targeting Muslim-majority markets with halal-certified products, seeking growth opportunities as Japan’s domestic market contracts amid population decline. The expansion is driven by rising demand and expectations of continued population and economic growth across the Muslim world.

Exports of Hitachiwagyu Beef from Ibaraki Prefecture reached a record approximately 173 tonnes in fiscal 2025, more than tripling the previous year’s total. Producers attributed the increase partly to adopting halal-compliant processing and opening markets such as Saudi Arabia.

Other Japanese businesses are also pursuing halal certification. Fukuoka Soy Sauce Shop exports halal-certified sauces and noodle soup bases to Malaysia and Singapore, while seafood company S.D. Hachikan has certified its boiled scallops and plans to explore additional Muslim-majority markets.

Tomohiro Sakuma, president of the Japan Halal Business Association, encouraged Japanese companies to improve their understanding of halal standards and pursue export opportunities in Islamic countries.