Exports of agriculture, forestry and fisheries products resumed year-on-year growth in the first half of the year, rebounding from a decline brought on by the global recession.
These primary industry exports expanded 18.2 percent in the January-June period from a year earlier to ¥240.1 billion, particularly on the back of the recovery in Asia, according to government data.
The products, including liquor, tobacco and pearls, were on a continual upward trend starting in 2004, but the global recession triggered by the Lehman Brothers collapse in September 2008 sent their export into decline.
Exports of primary industry products last November posted their first year-on-year increase in 14 months and continued the uptrend until June.
For January-June, Hong Kong was Japan's best customer, followed by the United States and Taiwan.
Exports to other parts of Asia scored remarkable increases, including a 2.3-fold expansion to Vietnam and a 30 percent increase to China.
In Hong Kong and other Asian regions, luxury Japanese foods, including sashimi, have grown popular.
Those involved in exports of primary industry products are now concerned about the yen's recent rise. If the yen remains at present levels over a long period, it is expected to affect exports.