Abstract
In recent years, Japan’s summer cabbage production has shown consistent trends. The national harvest reached a peak of 172kt in 2022, with the cultivated area covering 2.41kha. Nagano Prefecture has been a dominant player, contributing significantly with a shipping volume of 133kt in 2022. Historically, the summer cabbage market has seen fluctuations influenced by climate conditions, production costs, and consumer demand. While Nagano maintains a strong position, other regions are also important in meeting domestic needs. Efforts to improve yield efficiency and address weather-related challenges remain key to the sector’s stability.
Summer cabbage harvest volume (main data).
The harvest yield of summer cabbage in Japan has experienced notable fluctuations since 1973. The highest yield was recorded in 1986, reaching 239kt, a peak that has not been surpassed. As of 2022, the yield stands at 71.9% of this peak, reflecting a decline over the past decades. Contributing factors include changing agricultural practices, land use shifts, and the increasing impact of weather-related challenges. Despite this, production remains vital, especially in regions like Nagano, which continues to play a central role. Ongoing efforts to enhance productivity and adapt to climate change are essential for stabilizing future yields.


The maximum is 239kt[1986] of Japan, and the current value is about 71.9%
Summer cabbage harvest volume (by prefecture).
Nagano Prefecture has consistently been a leader in Japan’s leafy vegetable production, with its 2022 yield reaching a peak of 149kt, the highest recorded in recent years. This reflects the region’s favorable climate and farming expertise, especially in vegetables like cabbage. Over time, Nagano has maintained its dominant position, contributing significantly to the national supply. While other regions also produce leafy vegetables, Nagano’s production remains critical. The overall trend shows stable yields, but challenges such as climate change and labor shortages may influence future production dynamics.


The maximum is 149kt of Nagano, the average is 4.77kt, and the total is 172kt
Area planted with cabbage in summer (main data).
The planted area for summer cabbage in Japan has significantly decreased since its peak in 1978, when it reached 4.6kha. As of 2022, the planted area stands at just 52.4% of this maximum. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including shifts in agricultural land use, competition with other crops, and reduced profitability for farmers. Despite the decrease in area, summer cabbage remains a key crop, with regions like Nagano continuing to contribute significantly to national production. Efforts to optimize land use and increase yield per hectare are crucial for sustaining future production levels.


The maximum is 4.6kha[1978] of Japan, and the current value is about 52.4%
Area planted with summer cabbage (by prefecture).
Nagano Prefecture leads Japan in the land area used for growing leafy vegetables, with 1.81kha recorded in 2022, the largest value nationwide. This reflects the region’s long history of cultivating high-quality vegetables, supported by its favorable climate and farming practices. Over the years, Nagano has maintained its dominance, contributing significantly to Japan’s leafy vegetable supply. Other regions also participate in production, but Nagano’s extensive land use remains a central factor in meeting domestic demand. However, ongoing challenges such as labor shortages and climate change may impact future land use trends.


The maximum is 1.81kha of Nagano, the average is 66.9ha, and the total is 2.41kha
Summer cabbage shipments.
In 2022, Nagano Prefecture led Japan in summer cabbage shipping, with a record volume of 133kt, contributing significantly to the national total of 153kt. The average shipping volume was 4.26kt, highlighting the concentration of production in key regions like Nagano. This trend reflects the region’s climate, farming expertise, and infrastructure that support high yields. Over time, while Nagano has maintained its position as the dominant supplier, challenges such as labor shortages and climate variability may influence future shipping volumes. Nonetheless, the prefecture remains essential in meeting domestic demand for summer cabbage.


The maximum is 133kt of Nagano, the average is 4.26kt, and the total is 153kt
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