Abstract
In recent years, Japan’s pig farming sector has seen fluctuating trends, with the total number of pigs reaching 8.92 million in 2023. Farms with over 2,000 pigs have seen stable growth, reflecting increased industrial-scale operations. Meanwhile, farms with between 1,000 to 1,999 pigs have experienced a gradual decline, due to consolidation and market shifts towards larger-scale farming. The shift towards fewer but larger farms highlights a trend toward greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness, though it poses challenges for smaller, traditional farms.
Number of fattening pigs kept by farm size
Japan’s pig farming peaked in 1989 with 11.9 million pigs. Since then, the industry has experienced a steady decline, reaching 8.92 million in 2023, or 75.2% of the peak. This decrease is attributed to factors such as reduced domestic consumption, rising production costs, and changes in consumer preferences. The industry has shifted towards larger, more efficient farms, leading to fewer but more industrialized operations. Despite the decline, Japan maintains a robust pig farming sector, adapting to market demands with an increasing focus on quality and efficiency.
The maximum is 11.9MAnimal[1989] of Japan, and the current value is about 75.2%
Number of fattening pigs kept by scale (total, prefecture, latest year)
Kagoshima, Japan’s leading pig farming prefecture, reached its highest recorded figure of 1.14 million pigs in 2023, maintaining its peak level. This stable production underscores the region’s dominance in the national pig farming sector, benefiting from favorable conditions such as a strong infrastructure, efficient farming practices, and consistent demand. The trend reflects Kagoshima’s continued focus on high-quality production and industry innovation, positioning it as a key player in Japan’s livestock sector amidst national trends of consolidation and industrialization.
The maximum is 1.14MAnimal of Kagoshima, the average is 194kAnimal, and the total is 8.92MAnimal
Total number of animals kept over 2,000
In 2023, farms with over 2,000 pigs in Japan reached a total of 6.74 million pigs, with Kagoshima accounting for the highest figure at 893,000, well above the national average of 177,000. This trend highlights the growing concentration of large-scale farms in regions like Kagoshima, reflecting a shift toward industrialized farming practices. These large farms benefit from economies of scale, improved efficiency, and stable production. However, the trend also underscores the ongoing challenges for smaller operations, as consolidation continues to shape Japan’s pig farming industry.
The maximum is 893kAnimal of Kagoshima, the average is 177kAnimal, and the total is 6.74MAnimal
Total number of animals kept 1,000 to 1,999
In 2023, farms with 1,000 to 1,999 fattening pigs in Japan totaled 1 million pigs, with Kagoshima leading the way at 112,000. The average number of pigs per farm in this category was 31,300. This indicates a significant presence of mid-sized farms, which have remained relatively stable compared to larger operations. While the total number of pigs in this category reflects a decline from past years, these farms continue to play a crucial role in Japan’s pig farming industry. Their adaptability and focus on efficiency enable them to remain competitive amid industry consolidation and rising costs.
The maximum is 112kAnimal of Kagoshima, the average is 31.3kAnimal, and the total is 1MAnimal
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