Japan Aquafeed Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report - Forecast Trends and Outlook (2026-2035)

The Japan aquafeed market was volumed at 3.96 Tons in 2025 . The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.20% during the forecast period of 2026-2035 to reach a volume of 7.23 Tons by 2035 . A major factor shaping the market outlook is the rapid transition toward alternative, sustainable feed ingredients, particularly insect protein and algal-based omega-3 sources.

Key Market Trends and Insights

• By form, pellets is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period.
• By life-cycle stage, the starter category is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.9% over the forecast period.

Market Size & Forecast

• Market Size in 2025: 3.96 Tons
• Projected Market Size in 2035: 7.23 Tons
• CAGR from 2026 to 2035: 6.20%

The Japan aquafeed market expansion is influenced by the rising demand for precision nutrition for high-value marine species. This can improve feed conversion rates and maintain stable flesh quality. Moreover, the growth of a land-based and offshore aquaculture system spurs a need to use environment-specific feed formulation, which promotes operational efficiency, enhanced biosecurity, and scale-based, technology-enabling production paradigms.

The collapse of fishmeal and fish-oil supply networks is causing Japan to seek greater reliance on feed as it seeks to reduce its reliance on the fisheries industry, with feed producers and trading houses rushing to form joint ventures that will deliver scalable, next-generation inputs into the Japan aquafeed market. For instance, in March 2023, Marubeni collaborated with insect-protein leader Ÿnsect to launch insect meal into the Japanese feed market in the aquaculture sector.

Furthermore, in April 2023, Sumitomo Corporation formed a strategic alliance with Nutrition Technologies (NT), granting it the exclusive rights to distribute black soldier fly protein in Japan. At the same time, in the algae segment, Veramaris reported a 50% increase in output in 2023. Collectively, these actions are transforming the Japan aquafeed market outlook, which is now allowing increased sustainability, nutritional efficiency, and more sustainable sourcing of ingredients to support high-quality aquaculture species.

Japan Aquafeed Market Report Summary

Description

Value

Base Year

Tons

2025

Historical Period

Tons

2019-2025

Forecast Period

Tons

2026-2035

Market Size 2025

Tons

3.96

Market Size 2035

Tons

7.23

CAGR 2019-2025

Percentage
%
CAGR 2026-2035

Percentage

6.20%

CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Form

Pellets

7.1%

CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Life-cycle Stage

Starter

6.9%

Key Trends and Recent Developments

December 2024 - NTT Aqua Launched Land-Based Aquaculture Platform in Japan

NTT Communications Corporation established its subsidiary, NTT Aqua Co., Ltd., which introduced ICT-enabled land-based aquaculture systems in Japan. The platform enables efficient grower and finisher production through increased stocking densities, remote monitoring, and species-specific feeds, improving operational efficiency, supporting sustainable practices, and driving growth in the Japan aquafeed market.

August 2024 - Euglena Partnered with Petronas Research to Scale Microalgae Oil

Euglena Co., Ltd. entered into a joint development contract with Petronas Research Sdn Bhd to scale micro-algae oil production to be used in aquaculture feed. The partnership enhanced the development of alternative lipid sourcing, decreased dependence on fish oil imports, and encouraged innovation-driven growth throughout the Japan aquafeed industry.

July 2024 - JAST Acquired Stake in Land Aquaculture Innovation

Land Aquaculture Innovation Ltd. sold 37.5% of its stock to Japan System Techniques Co., Ltd. to enhance ICT-based land-based aquaculture systems. The investment encouraged efficiency in production and controlled-environment agriculture, which indirectly spurred the demand for specialized aquafeeds and favored the general Japan aquafeed market development.

February 2024 - Feed One Launched Insect-Based Aquafeed Trials in Japan Key

Feed One Co., Ltd. launched joint trials of insect-based aquafeeds, aiming to reduce fishmeal dependency while maintaining growth performance in finfish. The initiative advances sustainable feed practices, encourages adoption of alternative proteins, and supports ongoing growth and innovation in the market.

RAS-Driven Capacity Expansion

The introduction of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in Japan is becoming a source of demand for specialized, high-quality feeds that favor controlled environments and accelerated growth regimes. Skretting, in October 2024, announced plans to invest between EUR 10 and 15 million in its Imari plant to increase RAS feed manufacturing as well as enhance the quality of feed for livestock like yellowtail and seabream. This change underscores the way feed companies are moving in correlation with the expansion of land-based aquaculture, which is securing a more predictable supply base and permitting a greater-efficiency, high-quality aquaculture manufacturing.

Rising Industry-Academia Collaboration and Insect Protein Commercialization

Ongoing collaboration between industry and academia to commercialize alternative protein sources is fueling the growth of the Japan aquafeed market. Efforts to integrate insect meal into finfish diets are reducing reliance on imported fishmeal while enhancing growth performance and disease resistance. Supporting this trend, in February 2026, Feed One Co., Ltd. partnered with Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. and Ehime University to trial mealworm-based aquafeeds for red seabream, reinforcing sustainable innovation across the sector.

Strategic Capacity Expansion and Climate-Responsive Feed Innovation

The Japan aquafeed market is driven by strategic capacity expansion and modernization of feed manufacturing infrastructure to meet diversifying aquaculture requirements. Rising seawater temperatures and depletion of natural resources are increasing demand for advanced compound feeds with higher performance and sustainability standards. Supporting this shift, in August 2025, Feed One Co., Ltd. announced a USD 89.7 million aquafeed plant in Aichi Prefecture, reinforcing supply responsibility, R&D advancement, and long-term sector growth.

Traceability and Certification Momentum

The Japan aquafeed market is becoming more differentiated through sustainability and certification. In March 2025, Skretting’s Imari plant became the first ASC-approved feed mill in Japan, supporting the production of aquafeed for several high-value species, including salmon and seabream. This achievement is an indicator of the growing market focus on traceable and responsibly sourced feed. The certification also helps companies to fulfil the increasing consumer and export requirements in sustainable aquaculture and gives the companies a premium positioning, while strengthening Japan’s commitment to environmentally responsible aquaculture practices.

Strategic Vertical Integration

Japanese feed companies are also moving towards upstream integration with producers and co-development of feeds and improvement of production efficiency. This technique is demonstrated by Skretting's experience with Proximar Seafood, a salmon farm in Japan that creates RAS feed. The teams collaborated to make feeds with precise RAS compositions and track the fish's health and growth. This vertical integration allows feed manufacturers to be closer to farmers' needs while also ensuring product consistency through the possibility of long-term supply contracts, which can ultimately strengthen their presence in the Japan aquafeed market landscape and help to produce high-quality aquaculture products.

Japan Aquafeed Industry Segmentation

The EMR’s report titled “Japan Aquafeed Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Species

• Fish Feed
• Mollusk Feed
• Crustacean Feed
• Others

Key Insight: The Japan aquafeed market is widely subdivided into fish feed, mollusk feed, crustacean feed, and others. Fish feed leads the market growth driven by increasing salmon, yellowtail, and seabream production, particularly through RAS and land-based systems. Scallop and oyster feed, commonly referred to as mollusk feed, is gaining momentum alongside the growing niche cultivation of these species in coastal aquaculture areas, while crustacean feed such as crabs and shrimp, is expanding as integrators build species-specific diets. The other segment is being pursued by innovation in specialty feeds. For instance, in June 2025, Japanese feed company Feed One announced plans to invest USD 91 million in a large aquatic feed plant in Toyokawa, generating fishmeal-free, insect-protein-based feeds and tailored feeds for newly domesticated species.

Market Breakup by Additive Type

• Amino Acids
• Vitamins and Minerals
• Probiotics
• Enzymes
• Antioxidants
• Others

Key Insight: Based on the additive type, the Japan aquafeed market scope comprises the amino acids category, the vitamins and minerals category, the probiotics category, the enzymes category, the antioxidants category, and so on. The largest components of a diet are amino acids and vitamins/minerals since these are crucial for fish growth, feed conversion, and health. Probiotics and enzymes have gained enormous popularity as farmers mainly focus on solutions that promote digestibility and gut health. Antioxidants are being used to combat the increased oxidative stress in high-density farms. Major suppliers, such as Ajinomoto and Novus International, are also developing functional additives. For instance, in April 2024, Ajinomoto launched a new feed-grade lysine supplement for salmon and yellowtail feed in Japan.

Market Breakup by Form

• Pellets
• Extruded Feed
• Powder
• Liquid

Key Insight: The market is categorized on the basis of the production, that is, pellets, extruded feed, powder, and liquid. Pellets continue to boost the significant growth of the Japan aquafeed market value, owing to their increasing mainstream use in large-scale farms because of the ease of use and consistency of nutrition. Leading firms like Feed One provide dry pellets (DP) and other forms of feeding through their expanded portfolio. Extruded feed is making breakthroughs into high-end markets, led by Skretting. Larval fish or crustaceans are usually fed on powdered feeds, where a fine feed is necessary. The liquid versions are offered, however infrequently, to the early life stages or for extremely particular diets.

Market Breakup by Life-cycle Stage

• Starter
• Grower
• Finisher
• Broodstock

Key Insight: In terms of life-cycle stage, the structure of Japan aquafeed industry includes starter feeds, grower feeds, finisher feeds, and broodstock feeds. Starter feeds are highly digestible pellets or powders in microform that cater to the larvae and juveniles and help them grow and survive. Grower feeds increase the rate of growth with an optimized protein and energy, whereas finisher feeds are directed toward the quality of flesh and marketability. Reproductive health and egg quality are provided by broodstock feeds. Firms such as Feed One, Skretting, and Nissui are formulating stage-specific, species-specific diets and incorporating functional additives to enhance health, growth efficiency, and sustainability.

Japan Aquafeed Market Share

By species, fish feed registered robust growth driven by innovation in sustainable and high-performance finfish nutrition

Major fish feed makers in the Japan aquafeed market are trying to minimize fishmeal reliance and enhance performance. A key example is Feed One, which has developed a red sea bream fishmeal-free feed as described in its 2023/24 integrated reports. At the same time, Nissui is developing offshore and on-land farming of amberjack and other species by remote feeding systems. These activities are part of a larger trend that includes the development of new diets that are both commercially feasible and environmentally responsible, with the objective of supporting Japan's premium aquaculture industry.

The companies in the Japan aquafeed market, particularly the crustacean segment, are also targeting highly specialized larval and juvenile shrimp feeds. For example, Higashimaru sells ZM feed to zoea and mysis shrimp larvae, a microparticulate feed marketed as an alternative to phytoplankton for increased development and survival. In addition, the firm further produces crumble-form feeds that contain high protein and balanced nutrition for the post-larvae so that growth is speedy. Higashimaru has facilitated the development of shrimp farming in Japan by customizing its formulations to all life stages, thus providing farmers with the opportunity to maximize growth and minimize costs.

By additive type, probiotics witnesses strong demand due to rising focus on fish health and functional nutrition

The use of probiotics in Japanese aquaculture is increasing as producers seek to enhance gut microbiota balance, strengthen immune responses, and improve stress tolerance in farmed fish and crustaceans. Feed companies are focusing on Bacillus, and Lactobacillus-based solutions to increase survival and productivity in fish and shrimp juveniles, especially targeting juvenile fish. Feed manufacturers can assist farmers to record high growth, lower costs of feed, and improved fish well-being by adding precision nutrition. This tendency is indicative of a wider shift to high-performance, nutritionally balanced feeds that can support the high-end aquaculture industry in Japan.

In the Japan aquafeed market, pelletized feed has been the core product across the country, being particularly popular in species such as yellowtail and seabream due to its ease of handling, even nutrition value, and low wastage. Japanese producers of yellowtail are moving away from pellets as a response to producing raw fish to gain a uniform quality and to limit spoilage. This move confirms the shift to pellets as the default choice, allowing farms to scale efficiently with minimal feed waste.

By form, pellets gain significant preference in the market owing to operational efficiency and nutritional consistency

Pelletized feed accounts for a significant share of the Japan aquafeed market revenue, owing to its increased preference by the farmers as it is easy to handle. It provides steady nutrition and generates less waste. The producers of Japanese yellowtail are at the point of realization that pelleted feed is better than raw fish when it comes to quality consistency and reduction of spoilage. A small number of amberjack growers have completed the transition from raw diets to fully extruded pellet diets, with better flavor control and food safety. The adoption of pellets allows farms to scale efficiently while minimizing feed loss.

The extruded aquatic feeds are witnessing significant demand in the Japan aquafeed market, especially in high-value or sensitive species, as extruded feeds are more stable in water and are much more readily digested and more nutritious. For instance, Skretting developed MaGro, a soft-extruded pellet specifically designed for Japanese bluefin tuna, offering high palatability and easier handling compared with conventional baitfish. The innovation demonstrates the application of extruded formats to substitute older and more dangerous types of feeds and, at the same time, to enable efficiency and sustainability in high-quality tuna farming.

By life-cycle stage, starter feeds demonstrate significant uptake, driven by early-stage survival and precision nutrition

Starter feeds, prepared as micro pellets or powders, are gaining popularity across the Japan aquafeed market dynamics as they help fish and shrimp larvae grow and survive in their early stages. Companies like Feed One have come up with Ambrose, a starter feed line, consisting of ultra-fine particle sizes, DHA, enriched oils, and taurine added for increased digestibility and palatability. Firms are gradually moving toward formulations with low or zero fishmeal content, as a part of their overarching strategy for resource-efficient, growth-optimized nutrition for juvenile stages.

The Japan aquafeed market is driven by growing demand for high-performance grower feeds that enhance growth rates, feed conversion, and overall fish health. Producers are increasingly adopting nutrient-dense, sustainable formulations, including fishmeal-free, insect-based, and micro-pellet feeds, to improve efficiency and product quality. Expansion of land-based and offshore aquaculture operations further boosts the need for specialized grower diets. Supporting this trend, in June 2025, Feed One Co., Ltd. announced a USD 91 million Toyokawa facility to produce advanced grower feeds, doubling annual production capacity and advancing sustainable aquaculture in Japan.

Competitive Landscape

The Japan aquafeed market players are focused on stage-specific R&D formulations to enhance the feed efficiency, growth rates, and fish health. In response to the sustainability targets, firms such as Feed One, Nissui, and Marubeni Nisshin are investing in modernized production plants, micro-pellet technology, and less-fishmeal-based formulations. The collaboration with local farmers and research institutes also supports the customization of the products and the provision of high-quality feed, which is traceable.

Major Japan aquafeed companies are also maximizing the benefits of functional additives, probiotics, and new sources of proteins to boost performance and disease resistance. Skretting and DAINICHI are launching extruded and species-specific high-value aquaculture feeds, and Nosan Corporation and ADM (Bern Aqua) are working on sustainability and efficiency. All these strategies combined allow the companies to improve operational efficiency, justify RAS systems, and align the Japanese aquaculture practices with the global standards.

Feed One Co., Ltd.

Feed One Co., Ltd., which is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, was established in 1947. The company specializes in the production of a wide range of fish, crustacean, and specialty feeds. The firm is committed to the development of stage-specific formulations in Japan aquafeed market, that are driven by research and development and sustainable feed options for land-based and offshore aquaculture.

Marubeni Nisshin Feed Co., Ltd.

Marubeni Nisshin Feed Co., Ltd. is a Japanese company based in Osaka and established in 1962 that deals with the production of quality aquafeeds for salmon, yellowtail, and crustaceans. It uses modern technologies in nutrition and works with local farmers to maximize feed efficiency and fish development.

DAINICHI Corp.

DAINICHI Corp. is a leading supplier of fish and shrimp feed, headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, and established in 1955, with a focus on functional additives and species-specific formulations. The company incorporates the use of modern production systems to achieve a consistent feed quality and promote sustainable aquaculture activities, thereby fostering the Japan aquafeed market development.

Nissui Corporation

Established in 1911 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Nissui Corporation is a prominent aquaculture and seafood processor that has a strong portfolio of products such as pellets, extruded feeds, and specialty diets. Its emphasis on research and development and innovative feed solutions is beneficial in improving growth performance and quality of products in different aquaculture species.

Other key players in the market include Nosan Corporation, Nutreco N.V. (Skretting), and ADM Co. (Bern Aqua NV), among others.

Key Highlights of the Japan Aquafeed Market Report

• Historical performance and accurate forecasts through 2035: The analysis comprehensively covers past market behavior and future trends, which helps the stakeholders to make well-informed decisions.
• The report reflects on the development of alternative proteins, micro-pellet technology, functional additives, and feed-grade amino acids for high-value aquaculture species.
• The study features prominent local and foreign aquafeed players and analyzes their strategies, product lines, partnerships, and innovation activities.
• The report discusses the main prefectures and areas in Japan where aquaculture development, RAS implementation, and the need for premium feeds are the sources of the growth.

Why Choose Expert Market Research?

• The data is collected through interviews and surveys and confirmed by industry sources.
• The report provides guidance to stakeholders on product innovation, market entry, growth, and sustainability initiatives.
• The study offers detailed information on species, specific feeds, additive types, life cycle stages, and geographic growth areas to facilitate the companies in carving out their business strategies.

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