Production of fish paste products like chikuwa, kamaboko, and hanpen is starting to rebound in Japan after decades of declines due to lower demand. According to the fisheries ministry, output fell by more than half from three decades ago to roughly 408,000 tons in 2024. The industry aims to market these products as healthy and high in protein to drive rising consumption.
Japan's fish paste product industry has seen production decline over decades due to falling demand, but it is now beginning to recover. According to the fisheries ministry, output dropped by more than half from three decades earlier, reaching roughly 408,000 tons in 2024.
These traditional items, such as chikuwa, kamaboko, and hanpen, were once staples but faced reduced consumption amid changing lifestyles. The sector is promoting them as healthy, high-protein options to appeal to health-conscious consumers and boost intake.
With keywords like food, fish, and Kibun, the industry plans to continue this approach to support production growth.