Japan has long been on the defensive over agricultural trade as it sought to protect the nation's farmers, but it may soon go on the offensive.
The semi-governmental Japan External Trade Organization in July formed a panel of experts tasked with drawing up a comprehensive strategy for selling Japanese farm products abroad, especially in Southeast Asia.
"Until recently, the general understanding had been that Japanese products are too expensive for other Asian markets," said Kazuo Haraguchi, director general of JETRO's agriculture department. "But the region's economies have seen dynamic growth in recent years, and per capita income is on the rise. Considering the keen interest in Japanese food overseas, we figured there might be greater potential for more exports."