Japan's Reliance on Imported Matsutake Mushrooms
Matsutake mushrooms are a highly prized autumn delicacy in Japan, with the majority being imported from overseas. A traditional dish made from matsutake mushrooms and rice steamed in an earthenware pot is a quintessential autumn delicacy in Japan.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, domestic matsutake production has steadily declined. The annual production peaked in 1941 at 12,000 tons and decreased to 3,500 tons by 1960. Recent years have seen harvests below 100 tons, with exceptions like 2010's crop of 140 tons. In 2019, production was 14 tons, and as of 2024, it stands at 45 tons.
The decline is attributed to several factors, including the loss of satoyama, damage from pests, and the lack of a younger generation to take over as workers.
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Author's summary: Japan relies heavily on imports for matsutake mushrooms due to declining domestic production.