Japan faces concerns and criticism every year when food self-sufficiency rates are announced, due to its poor performance. As of 2021, the total food self-sufficiency rate stands at 38% in terms of calories and 63% in terms of production value, significantly lower than major developed countries. A low food self-sufficiency rate signifies a heavy reliance on overseas imports, making Japan vulnerable to significant damage in the event of a food crisis.

The main reasons behind Japan's low food self-sufficiency rate are attributed to rapid changes in dietary habits, a decline in the agricultural population, and abandonment of farmland. Post-war rapid industrialization and westernization have led to a decrease in rice consumption, which was the staple food, while the demand for meat, bread, and other products has surged. However, the feed required for livestock production is largely imported, resulting in a significantly low self-sufficiency rate in the livestock sector. Furthermore, the decline in the rural population due to aging and the abandonment of farmland are also cited as major contributors to the declining self-sufficiency rate.

To address this situation, the government and farmers are making various efforts. Firstly, they are exploring ways to enhance productivity and efficiency by utilizing smart agricultural technologies. The aim is to resolve labor shortages and increase yield per unit area by utilizing advanced technologies such as IoT sensors, drones, and AI. Secondly, they are encouraging the use of domestically produced agricultural products and diversifying domestic production items. The government is promoting the use of products made from domestically produced wheat flour and rice, and providing subsidies to encourage domestic production. Thirdly, they aim to improve efficient food utilization by reducing food loss and waste. A significant amount of food is discarded annually, and reducing this waste would save a considerable amount of food. Finally, they are promoting rural tourism, farmhouse stays, etc., to enhance the appeal of agriculture and rural areas and promote income generation for farmers.

In addition, recent efforts include expanding into overseas markets to increase exports of Japanese agricultural products. However, focusing solely on improving food self-sufficiency could result in the loss of the benefits of international division of labor and trade, highlighting the need to maintain a balance. Ultimately, it is crucial to establish a sustainable food production system that aligns with Japan's specific conditions to ensure national food security.