11.5 Strategic planning to Improve Japan’s Bioeconomy
The Japanese government has introduced a Bioeconomy Strategy with the aim of advancing biotechnology and creating potential export opportunities for U.S. firms. According to a 2019 survey conducted by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Japan’s bio industry was estimated to be valued at 3.6 trillion yen, focusing on cutting-edge products and services, such as gene recombination and biomolecule analysis. The Government of Japan has outlined this Bioeconomy Strategy with the goal of establishing “the world’s most advanced bioeconomy society by 2030,” with a projected value of 92 trillion yen. This strategy encompasses various sectors, including:
1. High-performance biomaterials and bioplastics (valued at 53.3 trillion yen)
2. Sustainable primary production systems (approximately 1.7 trillion yen)
3. Large-scale wood-based construction (around 1 trillion yen)
4. Lifestyle-related healthcare improvement (approximately 33 trillion yen)
5. Biopharmacy, regenerative medicine, cell therapy, and gene
Japan’s Bioeconomy Strategy also includes aspects such as data infrastructure, policy development, and system maintenance. In 2019, the GOJ allocated approximately 6.2 billion yen for the promotion of bio-manufacturing technologies, including the demonstration and evaluation of bio-manufacturing data linkages. The GOJ is also placing significant emphasis on close collaboration with global bio-community hubs to integrate advanced research environments with established commercialization systems, aiming to attract increased overseas investments and the development of social systems that can attract skilled individuals and additional resources.
U.S. companies that specialize in innovative biotechnology products and services may discover new opportunities in Japan, whether by establishing direct operations or by forming partnerships with Japanese biotechnology companies. For further details regarding Japan’s biotechnology sector and trade prospects, please contact Akiko Sugiura at Akiko.Sugiura@trade.gov.
The convergence of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement has compelled society to undergo a transformation towards sustainability, circularity, wellness, and the development of a bio-based economy on a global scale. In response to these imperatives, the Japanese government has meticulously crafted the “Japan Bioeconomy Strategy” since 2019, with the overarching aim of establishing Japan as the world’s foremost bioeconomy society by 2030.
This strategy encompasses three key pillars:
1. The promotion of each market segment in nine diverse fields, bolstered by bio-manufacturing, primary production, and healthcare, with the objective of achieving a market size of 92 trillion yen by 2030.
2. The creation of thriving bio-communities by the conclusion of the fiscal year 2021, intended to attract human capital and investment, facilitating the development of new products and services.
3. The formulation of guidelines for data linkage and usage by the conclusion of the fiscal year 2022, along with the establishment of an R&D and market introduction platform.
Crucially, this strategy is a collaborative endeavor uniting industry, academia, and local governments. These entities stand to benefit from various forms of support provided by the pertinent Japanese government ministries as necessitated by their respective pursuits. The strategy further emphasizes that while individual companies or universities may grapple with biological technologies, the actual industrialization of these technologies necessitates the creation of bio-communities characterized by robust and unique sciences and technologies. Such communities are considered indispensable for effective open innovation within Japan. Moreover, the importance of international collaboration in advancing the bioeconomy is underscored. Substantial potential exists for generating synergies among nations that share fundamental values. Currently, six bio-communities, two global bio-communities, and four local bio-communities distinguished by their unique sciences and technologies have received certification from the Japanese Government Cabinet Office. Companies situated in the European Union are also encouraged to participate and contribute to these endeavors.
Japan’s Strategy for Sustainable Food Systems
Numerous global challenges, such as climate change and the growing incidence of large-scale disasters, necessitate attention in the domains of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and food production. Japan’s agricultural, forestry, and fisheries sectors are grappling with labor shortages attributed to an aging population. To tackle these pressing concerns, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries MAFF nitiated the MIDORI Strategy on May 12, 2021. This strategy is designed to establish a sustainable food system. Achieving Sustainability Goals: Zero CO2 emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors. A 50% reduction in risk-weighted use of chemical pesticides through the adoption of Integrated Pest Management and innovative alternatives. A 30% decrease in the use of chemical fertilizers. Expansion of organic farming to cover 1 million hectares, equivalent to 25% of total farmland. A minimum of 30% enhancement in productivity for food manufacturers by 2030. Sustainable sourcing for imported materials by 2030. The utilization of 90% or more superior varieties and F1 plus trees in forestry seedling programs. Achieving a 100% rate of artificial seedling use in aquaculture, particularly for Japanese eel and Pacific bluefin tuna.
MIDORI Approach to Sustainability:
Japan has adopted a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving sustainability in its agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors. This multifaceted approach focuses on various key initiatives, including reducing the environmental burden through sustainable sourcing of materials and energy, effective utilization of local or unused resources, and encouraging research and development for resource reuse and recycling. Additionally, the strategy promotes innovation for sustainability and productivity by transitioning to more eco-friendly methods, implementing sustainable materials and machinery, and developing plant varieties with reduced environmental impact. It also emphasizes responsible management of fisheries resources, carbon sequestration, and improving working conditions. Communication with consumers, promoting sustainable processing and distribution practices, and supporting local products and organic foods are integral components of this strategy. Furthermore, the recent enactment of the MIDORI Act provides incentives for adopting environmentally friendly technologies to accelerate innovation for sustainability in these sectors. Japan aims to visualize the reduction of environmental burden and incentivize farming practices that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions, thereby contributing to a more sustainable agricultural and fisheries industry.