Chefs for the Blue Submits 'Chefs' Recommendations 3.0' Policy Proposal to Japan's Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries

As Japan's marine fishery catch has plummeted to less than a quarter of its peak, Chefs for the Blue (Representative Director: Hiroko Sasaki), a team of chefs founded on the fear that 'fish may soon disappear from our tables,' submitted a policy proposal titled 'Chefs' Recommendations 3.0: Realizing a Future of Rich Oceans and Food' to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Commissioner of the Fisheries Agency on May 18, 2026.

This proposal positions Japan's fishery industry—which underpins a seafood-related restaurant market of approximately 7.3 trillion yen, supports 5.33 million jobs, and drives inbound consumption (9.45 trillion yen in 2025)—as an 'invisible economic growth engine.' It demands five specific measures for its revitalization.

### Fisheries as an 'Invisible' Growth Engine Japan is a 'seafood powerhouse' with 3,700 species of fish and a culinary culture that utilizes 400 varieties. Seafood is a high-value commodity whose value swells 7.2 times from the landing price to the restaurant stage. In 2024, approximately 7.3 trillion yen of the 26.2 trillion yen total restaurant market was derived from seafood.

Furthermore, 82.8% of the record 42.68 million inbound visitors in 2025 expected to eat Japanese food. Approximately 65% of Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka (Michelin Guide 2026) focus on seafood. Natural fish are also Japan's only self-sufficient protein source, making them crucial for food security.

### A Foundation in Crisis Fishery catch has dropped 76% from a peak of 11.51 million tons in 1984 to 2.78 million tons in 2024. Self-sufficiency in edible seafood has halved since 1964, currently hovering around 50%. A 2025 survey revealed that 98.2% of restaurateurs feel a sense of crisis regarding future procurement.

Serious distortions exist in distribution: 81% of sardines are diverted to non-food uses like aquaculture feed. While small mackerel are exported cheaply, large ones are imported at high prices, leading to the outflow of domestic value and jobs.

### Five Policy Proposals 1. **Scientific Strengthening of Coastal Resource Management:** Double the dedicated budget for research over 10 years to scientifically manage high-value coastal species. 2. **Strategic Resource Positioning and Food-Priority Allocation:** Institutionalize priority supply for human consumption. Implement size regulations to reduce juvenile catch and increase large, edible fish stocks. 3. **KPI for 'Domestic Value Added of Seafood':** Create a new metric including processing, distribution, and dining to be integrated into national strategy, shifting focus from mere export volume. 4. **Seafood Traceability Infrastructure:** Implement low-cost information systems using blockchain to visualize and support fishers committed to resource management. 5. **Strengthening Fish-Eating Foundations via Dining & Tourism:** Create a comprehensive policy package bridging fisheries, tourism, and regional revitalization strategies.