Date : June 2, 2025
Japan’s Food Security (Dr. Kazuhito Yamashita, Research Director, Canon Institute for Global Studies)
post date : 2025.05.12
With numerous risks to the food supply such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, climate change, and population growth worldwide, food security is one of the most important global issues. With countries working to establish systems for a stable supply, international competition over agricultural products has become more fierce, and Japan could be easily affected due to its heavy reliance on imports.
While dealing with the repercussions of the second Trump administration’s tariff policies and the continued pressure on opening up the agricultural and livestock markets, expanded imports of agricultural and livestock products is expected to continue to be a major focus of Japan-US negotiations. With increased external pressure, initiatives to increase the sustainability of domestic agriculture are urgent in order to ensure a stable food supply.
The FPCJ has invited Dr. Kazuhito Yamashita, Research Director at the Canon Institute for Global Studies, to discuss the current state of and issues for Japan’s food security, including touching on the impact of the Trump tariffs and the rising cost of rice in Japan.
Please note that you cannot physically attend this briefing, as it will be a Zoom webinar.
Embassy representatives and FPCJ supporting members may also participate in the briefing as observers (admission free).
■Date: 14:00-15:30, Monday, June 2, 2025 (Deadline for application: 12:00, May 30)
■Theme: Japan’s Food Security
■Briefer: Dr. Kazuhito Yamashita, Research Director, Canon Institute for Global Studies
Brief Bio: Born in 1955. Graduated from the University of Tokyo Faculty of Law in 1977 and joined the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (now the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)). Received Master’s in applied economics from the University of Michigan and Ph.D. in agricultural economics from the University of Tokyo. Held positions such as the Director of the GATT Affairs Division at MAFF. Left MAFF in 2008. Started at current position in 2010. Studies and writes on Japanese agricultural policy as an analyst.
■Language: Japanese, with consecutive English interpretation
As in our standard press briefings, there will be a Q&A session at the end.
*In principle, questions will only be accepted from members of the foreign press.
■Members of the Foreign Press:
Please send any questions for the briefer or topics you are interested in to cp@fpcjpn.or.jp by 12:00 on Monday, May 26.
As there will only be a limited amount of time to ask questions during the briefing, we will collect questions and provide them to the briefer in advance.
■How to Apply: Please refer to the email we sent.
*We will not be accepting applications by email.