Japan Probiotics Market Overview, 2028

Japan has a long-standing tradition of consuming fermented foods such as miso, natto, and kimchi. These traditional foods naturally contain probiotic bacteria and have been consumed for centuries, contributing to the cultural acceptance and familiarity of probiotics in Japan. In the mid-20th century, yoghurt gained popularity in Japan as a result of increased awareness about its health benefits. The introduction of yoghurt production techniques from Western countries led to the commercialization of yoghurt in Japan. This marked a significant milestone in the Japanese probiotic market. Yakult contains the Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain, which is believed to confer health benefits. In the early years, Japan made significant strides in probiotic research and development. Researchers focused on identifying specific strains of bacteria with health benefits and studying their effects on the human body. This led to the discovery of additional probiotic strains and the expansion of product offerings on the market. The Japanese population has a deep cultural connection to fermented foods, which naturally contain probiotics. The Japanese probiotics industry offers a wide array of products to cater to diverse consumer preferences. Probiotic yoghurts, drinks, snacks, supplements, and even beauty products are available on the market. Manufacturers continually innovate by introducing new strains, delivery formats, and formulations to meet changing consumer demands. Furthermore, consumer education plays a crucial role in the Japanese probiotics industry. Manufacturers invest in educational campaigns to raise awareness about the benefits of probiotics and promote their products. Consumer education initiatives often involve collaborations with healthcare professionals and influencers to deliver accurate information and build trust.

According to the research report "Japan Probiotic Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the Japan Probiotic Market is expected to grow at above USD 4 Billion from 2023 to 2028. Japan has a strong cultural tradition of consuming fermented foods, which naturally contain probiotics. As a result, there is a deep-rooted acceptance and familiarity with probiotics in the Japanese diet. Traditional fermented foods like miso, natto, and pickles have been consumed for centuries and are recognised for their potential health benefits. Traditional Japanese medicine, known as Kampo, recognises the importance of gut health and its impact on overall wellness. Probiotics align with the principles of Kampo, where a balanced gut is believed to contribute to a balanced body and mind. This association with traditional medicine further reinforces the positive perception of probiotics among Japanese consumers. Furthermore, Personal recommendations from family, friends, and healthcare professionals play a significant role in influencing consumer perception and purchase decisions. Positive experiences and word-of-mouth recommendations contribute to the trust and acceptance of probiotics among consumers. Products types include probiotic food and beverages, probiotic dietary supplements, and animal feed. In Japan, probiotic food and beverages are leading the probiotic market. The Japanese probiotic food market offers a diverse range of products to cater to different consumer preferences. Manufacturers continually innovate by introducing new probiotic strains, formulations, and product variants. This variety and innovation keep the market dynamic and appealing to consumers. Furthermore, Traditional fermented foods have a long history in Japan and naturally contain probiotic bacteria. These include miso, a fermented soybean paste, and natto, also fermented soybeans. These fermented foods have been consumed for centuries and are recognised for their probiotic properties. They are commonly used in various dishes and are readily available on the market. Manufacturers are incorporating probiotics into a range of functional foods, including snacks, cereals, and bakery products. These probiotic-enhanced functional foods offer consumers a convenient way to consume probiotics as part of their regular diet.

Technological advancements in fermentation processes have enabled the production of high-quality probiotic products. Manufacturers are implementing advanced fermentation techniques to optimise the growth and viability of probiotic strains. These techniques help in achieving consistent product quality, higher bacterial counts, and improved shelf life. Technology plays a crucial role in strain selection and development. With advancements in genetic sequencing and bioinformatics, researchers can identify and characterise specific probiotic strains with desired properties. This allows for the development of customised probiotic formulations targeting specific health benefits and improved efficacy. Technology has facilitated the development of innovative encapsulation and delivery systems for probiotics. Microencapsulation techniques protect probiotic strains from harsh stomach acids, ensuring their survival and targeted release in the intestines. Controlled-release technologies enable the gradual release of probiotics, enhancing their effectiveness and stability.
Ingredient types include bacteria and yeast; in Japan, bacteria are the leading segment. Japanese consumers have a belief in the efficacy of bacteria-based probiotics based on their historical use and perceived effectiveness. Fermented foods containing bacteria have been consumed for generations in Japan and are associated with positive health outcomes. This historical use and positive experience contribute to the popularity of bacterial-based probiotics. End users include humans and animals; in Japan, humans are more likely to use probiotics than animals, due to the Japanese population's strong emphasis on health and wellness. People in Japan are proactive in taking care of their own health and are highly conscious of preventive measures. Probiotics are viewed as a natural and proactive approach to maintaining good health, particularly in terms of digestive health and overall well-being. Distribution channels include hypermarkets and Supermarkets, pharmacies and drugstores, convenience stores, specialty stores, online, and others. In Japan, hypermarkets and Supermarkets are the leading sales channels. There are several hypermarkets and supermarkets that offer a variety of probiotics on the market, like Aeon Supermarket, Ito Yokado, Seiyu, and many more.

Considered in this report
• Geography: Japan
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report
• Japan Probiotics 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 Products type:
• Probiotics Food and Beverages
• Probiotics Dietary Supplements
• Animal Feed

By End user:
• Human
• Animal

By Ingredient Type:
• Bacteria
• Yeast

By Form:
• Liquid
• Powder
• Gel

By Distribution channel:
• Hypermarkets and Supermarkets
• Pharmacies/Drugstores
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty stores
• Online
• Others

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 Probiotics 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.