The value of Japan's agricultural and seafood exports in 2021 reached a record high for the ninth consecutive year while exceeding ¥1 trillion ($8.7 billion) for the first time, backed by strong online and retail sales as people spent more time at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, government data showed Friday.

Exports were worth ¥1.24 trillion, up 25.6% from the previous year, also getting a boost from a recovery in demand for dining out in China and the United States, according to the data released by the farm ministry.

The removal of restrictions placed on imports of food from Japan by the U.S., European Union and other regions following the 2011 nuclear disaster in Fukushima also contributed to the growth.