Japan Sesame Seeds Market Overview, 2030

The sesame seeds market in Japan is deeply intertwined with the country’s rich culinary traditions, evolving consumer preferences, and its heavy reliance on international trade to satisfy domestic demand. Despite Japan’s minimal domestic production, sesame seeds are a staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine, valued for their distinct nutty flavor and nutritional properties. Traditional recipes like goma-ae (vegetables dressed with ground sesame), sesame crusted fish, sushi toppings, and various sweets feature sesame seeds prominently, reflecting their ingrained cultural importance. The majority of sesame seeds consumed in Japan are imported, primarily from India, Sudan, Nigeria, Myanmar, and Ethiopia, making Japan one of the largest sesame seed importers worldwide. This reliance on imports presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The stability of supply chains is critical, as geopolitical issues, fluctuating global commodity prices, and climate variability in producing countries can impact availability and pricing. In addition, Japanese consumers are highly discerning about quality, safety, and traceability, expecting imported sesame seeds to meet rigorous standards. This has driven importers and distributors to invest heavily in quality assurance and certification programs. Over the next decade, Japan’s sesame seed market is expected to adapt further to these global supply challenges by enhancing partnerships with trusted suppliers and embracing more sustainable sourcing practices. Concurrently, the domestic market’s maturity means innovation will increasingly focus on value-added sesame products, including health supplements, functional foods, and gourmet ingredients tailored to Japan’s aging yet health-conscious population.

According to the research report, ""Japan Sesame Seeds Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Japan Sesame Seeds Market is anticipated to add to more than USD 110 Million by 2025–30. The market’s dynamics are shaped by shifting consumer behaviors, demographic changes, and an increased focus on wellness and sustainability. Japan’s population is aging rapidly, with older consumers showing heightened interest in natural and nutrient-dense foods that support longevity and disease prevention. Sesame seeds, rich in antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, healthy fats, and dietary fiber, fit perfectly within this health paradigm. Simultaneously, younger consumers, influenced by global health trends, are seeking plant-based, organic, and gluten-free ingredients, further driving demand for high-quality sesame products. This changing consumer landscape has encouraged retailers and food manufacturers to diversify their offerings beyond traditional sesame seed uses. Sesame oil, for example, is being repositioned not only as a cooking oil but also as a premium ingredient in health supplements and natural beauty products. Technological innovations in sesame seed processing and oil extraction including cold pressing and organic certification have improved product quality and expanded the market’s appeal. Furthermore, Japan’s stringent food safety regulations have encouraged transparency and traceability across the sesame seed supply chain, promoting greater consumer confidence. Nevertheless, the market faces stiff competition from alternative “superfoods” like chia seeds, flaxseeds, and hemp seeds, which are also marketed as rich sources of nutrition. Over the next decade, producers and retailers will need to continue innovating in product development, marketing, and supply chain management to maintain Japan’s position as a key sesame seed consumer globally.

White sesame seeds dominate the market, prized for their mild flavor and versatility in cooking and oil production. These seeds are often hulled to produce a lighter, less bitter product favored in many traditional Japanese dishes, as well as in commercial applications such as bakery toppings and snack foods. Black sesame seeds hold a culturally significant niche, particularly in traditional confections, teas, and health supplements. They are renowned for their strong aroma and perceived medicinal benefits, such as supporting kidney and liver health according to traditional Eastern medicine. Due to these health associations, black sesame seed products often command premium prices and enjoy popularity among health-conscious and older consumers. The “other” category, which includes brown and mixed sesame seeds, remains small but is expanding in specialty and gourmet markets. These seeds are often marketed as exotic or artisanal, appealing to food enthusiasts and chefs experimenting with new textures and flavors. Additionally, hulled versus unhulled seeds are also differentiated based on consumer preferences for texture, nutritional content, and culinary use. In recent years, there has been growing interest in flavored and roasted sesame seed products, catering to changing taste preferences and the convenience food segment.

The food industry remains the largest application segment, where sesame seeds are integral to both home cooking and commercial food production. Sesame oil, extracted from roasted seeds, is widely used in cooking, imparting a distinct nutty flavor that is essential in Japanese culinary arts. Sesame seeds themselves are sprinkled on rice, noodles, and salads, and incorporated into confectioneries and snacks. The pharmaceutical industry leverages sesame oil as a carrier in topical ointments and as a base ingredient in herbal remedies, attributed with anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties. Sesame oil is also commonly used in traditional Japanese and Ayurvedic medicine to improve circulation and joint health. In the cosmetics and personal care sector, sesame oil’s emollient and antioxidant properties make it a popular ingredient in lotions, hair care formulations, and facial oils. The increasing demand for natural and organic personal care products in Japan has amplified the use of sesame-derived ingredients. Moreover, sesame’s applications are extending into emerging areas such as nutraceuticals and functional foods, where its antioxidant-rich profile is utilized to develop products aimed at enhancing immunity and reducing oxidative stress.

Conventional sesame seeds continue to dominate in terms of volume, largely due to the established supply chains, consistent availability, and relatively lower price points. These conventional seeds are sourced from large-scale farms in major producing countries and are typically grown using standard agricultural practices involving synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. However, increasing consumer awareness about food safety, environmental impact, and health has driven demand for organic sesame seeds. Organic sesame farming, though limited in scale globally, is gaining traction among producers targeting premium markets like Japan. Japanese consumers willing to pay a price premium for organic certification look for products free from chemical residues, genetically modified organisms, and harmful additives. This segment also appeals to environmentally conscious buyers who value sustainable farming practices that promote biodiversity and soil health. Certification bodies and government initiatives supporting organic agriculture have further bolstered growth in this segment. Nonetheless, organic sesame seeds face challenges such as higher production costs, limited supply, and the complexity of maintaining certification standards through international supply chains.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the primary retail outlets, offering wide product assortments including raw seeds, hulled seeds, sesame oil, and processed snacks. These large retailers benefit from extensive distribution networks and brand partnerships, catering primarily to families and bulk purchasers who seek convenience and variety. Convenience stores also play an essential role, especially in urban areas where busy consumers opt for single-serving packaged sesame snacks, seasoning mixes, and ready-to-eat products. The rise of e-commerce has been transformative, with online platforms such as Rakuten, Amazon Japan, and specialized health food sites providing consumers with access to imported, organic, and gourmet sesame products that may not be widely available offline. Online retail offers the advantage of detailed product information, customer reviews, subscription services, and doorstep delivery, which have become increasingly important post-pandemic. Specialty health food stores, organic cooperatives, and farmers’ markets provide additional avenues for niche products, promoting locally sourced, artisanal, and organic sesame goods. This multi-channel distribution landscape enables brands to reach diverse consumer segments, from price-conscious shoppers to premium buyers seeking high-quality or specialty products. The integration of online and offline retail models will continue to shape the future of sesame seed distribution in Japan, enhancing accessibility and consumer engagement.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Sesame Seeds Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Oil Type
• Vegetable Oil
• Essential Oils
• Mineral Oils
• Others (Exotic/Specialty Oils & Blended/Functional Oils)

By Application
• Skin Care
• Hair Care
• Body Care
• Others

By Distribution Channel
• Online
• Offline (retail stores, pharmacies)
• Direct sales

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry. Show more