Prime Highlights:
- Japan is boosting food technology and synthetic biologyto drive economic growth under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
- The government will support startups, invest in new technologies, and strengthen supply chains.
Key Facts:
- Japan aims to become the world’s leading bioeconomy by 2030, with an $8 billion fund for biomanufacturing.
- Investments include indoor plant factories and land-based aquaculture facilitiesto increase domestic food production and self-sufficiency.
Background:
Japan is boosting food technology and synthetic biology to grow its economy. The government will support businesses and improve supply chains.
This month, the government held the first meeting of the Japan Growth Strategy Headquarters to plan ways to grow the economy through partnerships with businesses. A new body, the Japan Growth Strategy Council, will focus on policies designed to increase incomes and improve consumer confidence.
“This cabinet will create a strong economy to turn concerns about current livelihoods and the future into hope. We will strategically deploy fiscal resources based on a responsible and proactive fiscal policy,” said PM Takaichi.
Among 17 priority areas, food technology (food tech) is set to be led by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Agriculture Minister Norikazu Suzuki said the government will invest in indoor plant factories and land-based aquaculture, showing that food tech is a key area for Japan to build domestic strength and increase self-sufficiency.
Startups that were unsure which ministry to contact will now have a clear point of support, making it easier to grow their businesses.
Japan also aims to become the world’s leading bioeconomy by 2030, backed by an $8 billion fund for biomanufacturing. As part of the strategy, the government is also developing a regulatory framework for novel foods, including cultivated meat, to support innovation while ensuring safety.
“Japan has top-tier research institutions, a vibrant commercial ecosystem, and the ability to invest significant resources into fundamental R&D, positioning the country to become a global leader in alternative proteins,” said Kimiko Hong-Mitsui, director of GFI Japan.
