Japan Chickpeas Market Overview, 2030

Japan is not a chickpea-producing nation at scale due to unsuitable soil conditions and climatic limitations. However, some experimental cultivation occurs in Hokkaido and Nagano through agricultural universities and local cooperatives, but these efforts generate very low volumes. Japan’s chickpea demand is met almost entirely through imports, largely driven by health and nutrition trends among its aging population and younger urban consumers. Chickpeas have gained visibility in Japan’s functional food segment, where they are labeled as health legumes under the country's food labeling system. They are commonly found in gluten-free, vegan, and low-sodium food products aligned with consumer preferences for dietary fiber and plant-based proteins. Chickpeas are used in protein-rich meals, salads, and health snacks rather than traditional Japanese cuisine. Imports primarily arrive from Australia, Canada, Turkey, and the U.S., distributed through major Japanese trading houses such as Marubeni, Itochu, Mitsubishi, and Kanematsu. These players handle procurement and logistics, clearing cargo through ports like Yokohama and Osaka. Chickpeas imported into Japan are required to meet strict food safety and quality guidelines, including certifications such as JAS Organic, FSSC 22000, and ISO 22000, and compliance with the Food Sanitation Act. Consumption is concentrated in urban areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya where health food stores, convenience retailers, and gourmet grocers are located. Chickpeas are mainly used in ready-to-eat food items, pre-packed salads, hummus dips, protein drinks, and cereal bars. Japanese companies are incorporating chickpea-based ingredients into high-fiber snacks and plant-based meat products as the country responds to growing demand for sustainable and nutritious foods. Demand remains stable, particularly among women and middle-aged consumers focused on digestive health and low-GI foods.

According to the research report, "Japan Chickpeas Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the Japan Chickpeas market is anticipated to add to more than USD 40 Million by 2025–30. As of 2024, there are no officially reported chickpea acreage or production statistics from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). Instead, nearly 100% of domestic consumption is import-driven. In 2023, Japan imported over 7,600 metric tons of chickpeas, valued at approximately USD 7.8 million, according to UN Comtrade and Japan Customs data. Chickpeas are imported as whole dried seeds or in processed forms like canned or vacuum-packed beans. Most shipments enter through major ports such as Kobe, Yokohama, and Tokyo. Japan’s chickpea supply chain is highly structured and dominated by trading firms such as Sojitz, Marubeni, and Sumitomo, which handle procurement, warehousing, customs clearance, and food safety inspection. Distribution flows to processors, food service operators, and high-end supermarkets such as Seijo Ishii, Aeon, and Ito-Yokado. Japan maintains rigid sanitary and phytosanitary controls, and importers must comply with the Food Sanitation Act and the Positive List System for agricultural chemicals. Any supply chain disruption such as phytosanitary holds, freight delays, or contamination leads to immediate product recalls. Demand is steady in Japan’s health food segment, where chickpeas are used in niche and high-margin categories. There is minimal price elasticity, as the product caters to urban premium consumers. Inventory turnover remains moderate with 60–90-day cycles in retail and 30–45-day cycles in food service supply. Domestic stockpiling is rare due to high storage costs and space constraints.

Japan’s chickpea market is dominated by Kabuli chickpeas, which accounted for over 95% of total chickpea imports in 2023, according to trade data from Japan Customs and the Global Trade Atlas. Kabuli chickpeas are preferred for their light color, larger size, and smooth texture, which align with Japanese consumer preferences for aesthetics and mild flavor profiles. These chickpeas are mostly used in salads, hummus, soups, and vegetarian dishes, especially within health-conscious and plant-based product segments. The majority of Kabuli chickpeas imported into Japan are 8–10 mm in diameter and come from Australia, Canada, and the United States. Suppliers maintain quality specifications such as low moisture content (under 14%), uniform size grading, and minimal foreign matter to meet the Japanese Food Sanitation Law. Desi chickpeas represent less than 5% of total imports and are not commonly seen in mainstream retail outlets. Their darker skin, smaller size, and stronger flavor profile make them less compatible with local tastes. Desi chickpeas are mainly imported from India and are distributed through specialty ethnic channels, including Indian grocery stores and South Asian restaurants in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Some Desi chickpeas are processed into chana dal or chickpea flour by small importers serving regional cuisines. The Food Labeling Act in Japan requires importers to clearly differentiate between Kabuli and Desi varieties when selling to retail consumers, especially if the product is processed or repackaged. Kabuli chickpeas command a higher retail price, averaging JPY 500–650 per 300g pack in supermarkets, while Desi chickpeas are usually sold in bulk or loose packaging at ethnic stores. Product standardization, consistent quality, and country-of-origin traceability are critical factors influencing Kabuli chickpea import volumes, while Desi chickpeas remain a low-volume niche segment.

In Japan, whole chickpeas dominate the market, forming over 80% of the chickpea import volume by form, based on data from Japan’s Ministry of Finance and UN Comtrade. Whole Kabuli chickpeas are typically sold dried and are rehydrated before use in home cooking, cafes, and plant-based food outlets. These are popular in soups, salads, vegan curries, and side dishes and are distributed through both supermarket chains such as Aeon and Seiyu and online platforms like Rakuten and Amazon Japan. Canned chickpeas make up around 15% of the market and are gaining popularity due to convenience. Imported mostly from Italy, Turkey, and the U.S., canned chickpeas are pre-cooked, preserved in brine or water, and sold under brands like Del Monte, S&W, and private labels. These appeal to health-conscious and time-poor consumers in urban regions and are frequently used in ready-to-eat meals and salads. Chickpea flour, known locally as besan or gram flour, accounts for under 4% of chickpea imports and is mainly used in specialty Indian, Pakistani, and Nepali food applications. It is distributed through Asian ethnic stores and some e-commerce platforms, with no large-scale local production. Besan is used to make snacks like pakoras and desserts such as boondi laddu. Japan has no significant domestic production of chickpea flour. Split chickpeas (chana dal) represent less than 1% of chickpea products in the country and are rarely found outside of ethnic markets. Local consumers are largely unfamiliar with this form, and labeling in English or Hindi limits its penetration. Regulatory labeling under Japan’s Food Labeling Standards requires allergen identification and origin declaration, particularly for flour and canned formats. Importers and retailers focus on form-specific demand whole for home cooking, canned for convenience, flour and split for niche ethnic use making each form distinct in distribution, marketing, and pricing.

In Japan, chickpeas are primarily used in the food and beverage segment, which accounts for over 98% of total chickpea imports, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and Japan Customs. Within this segment, chickpeas are increasingly used in health-conscious and vegetarian diets, especially among middle-aged and elderly consumers. Dried whole chickpeas are used in home cooking and foodservice, including Japanese-style salads, stews, and fusion dishes. The country’s growing interest in plant-based diets has led to chickpeas being incorporated into meat substitutes, vegan burgers, and high-protein snacks. Major convenience stores like 7-Eleven Japan and Lawson now offer chickpea-based salads and protein bowls, while restaurant chains experiment with chickpea hummus, falafel, and curries. Canned chickpeas serve quick-service restaurants and ready-meal manufacturers that cater to working professionals in urban centers. Chickpea flour (besan) is mainly used in Indian and Nepali restaurants for snacks like pakora and sweets, while small-scale Japanese bakeries and health food brands are testing it for gluten-free and protein-enriched products. The animal feed segment is almost negligible in Japan. Limited experimental use exists in aquaculture or premium pet food, but no commercial-scale usage is reported. The Others category, accounting for under 1% of usage, includes minimal use in cosmetics, skincare formulations, and educational or cultural exhibitions. Imports for non-food use require separate documentation and regulatory clearance under Japan’s Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (PMDA), which restricts chickpeas in wellness or industrial segments.



The B2B segment leads in volume and value, as most chickpeas are imported in bulk and handled by large trading houses like Mitsui & Co., Sojitz, and Marubeni Corporation. These firms supply dried and canned chickpeas to food manufacturers, restaurant chains, meal kit companies, and convenience food processors. B2B buyers include major food brands like Nissin, Ajinomoto, and Nichirei, who integrate chickpeas into ready meals, frozen dishes, and health food products. Ethnic food distributors such as Hayashibara and Sunrise International also supply Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean restaurants across Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Canned chickpeas and chickpea flour are sold in bulk to hotel kitchens, airline caterers, and contract manufacturers for vegan or gluten-free products. Supermarkets like Aeon, Seiyu, and Ito Yokado stock imported chickpeas from Australia, India, and Turkey, using centralized procurement hubs tied to B2B networks. On the B2C side, consumers mainly buy chickpeas through online platforms, specialty stores, and gourmet sections of retail chains. Amazon Japan, Rakuten, and iHerb offer a wide variety of international chickpea brands and private labels. Health food stores and organic chains like Natural House and Bio c’ Bon also sell chickpea flour and whole chickpeas in retail packs of 250g to 1kg. Direct-to-consumer brands such as Mujirushi Ryohin and Kaldi Coffee Farm curate chickpeas as part of global food baskets. Packaged hummus and chickpea snacks are found in cold chains and vending machines in urban transit zones. Although B2C sales are growing due to diet trends, the market remains import-reliant and logistically centralized. The language barrier and niche demand keep chickpea products confined to health-aware, urban populations, limiting direct retail expansion outside major cities.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Chickpeas Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By type
• Kabuli Chickpeas
• Desi Chickpeas

By Form
• Whole Dried Chickpeas
• Chickpea Flour (Besan)
• Canned Chickpeas
• Split Chickpeas (Chana Dal)

By Application
• Food & Beverage
• Animal Feed
• Others

By Distribution Channel
• B2B
• B2C