Japan Relies on Imports to Satisfy Craving for Matsutake Mushrooms
Matsutake mushrooms are a highly prized autumn delicacy in Japan, but the vast majority are imported from overseas.
Matsutake mushrooms and rice steamed in an earthenware pot make up the quintessential autumn delicacy in Japan. However, domestic production of matsutake has steadily declined in recent years, making it necessary to rely heavily on imports.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, domestic annual matsutake production peaked in 1941, at 12,000 tons, and by 1960 the output stood at 3,500 tons. Several factors account for the decline, including the loss of satoyama, which are the rural areas that border woodlands and arable land, as well as damage from pests and the lack of a younger generation to take over as workers.
In recent years, the harvests have remained below 100 tons, apart from a crop of 140 tons in 2010. In 2019, production fell to just 14 tons, and as of 2024 stands at 45 tons.
Author's summary: Japan relies heavily on imports for matsutake mushrooms.
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