When I first arrived from New Zealand, I remember feeling extremely lost and disappointed by the lack of organic food and products in Japan. In comparison to back home, where most grocery stores are green and economical, I suddenly found myself surrounded by excess plastic, more plastic, giant chemical fruit, surplus salt and sugar. This made my initial months of Japanese food activity super difficult.
Fortunately for me, one of my inaka (countryside) neighbors, Mr G, an expert organic farmer from Hungary, came to my rescue.
What is Considered Organic Food in Japan?
JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard)
2. Do Some Research On Where To Buy
- Japan Organic & Natural Foods Association (JONA)
- Crayon House
- Leafearth
- Annual Organic Events in Tokyo
Useful Words For Buying Organic in Japan
What is Considered Organic Food in Japan?
Organic food products in Japan with the JAS logo or otherwise certified logos.
When used to describe food, organic products must be produced solely through the bounty of nature, without the use or addition of chemically treated pesticides, fertilizers or other chemical substances. For processed foods, organic food items cannot include any artificial preservatives, flavors, additives or colors. However, natural preservatives, such as salt, sugar and vinegar, may still be contained in organic products. Fermented foods labeled organic may also contain naturally occurring preservation, such as alcohol or lactic acid.
JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard)
Image: JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard)
One of the easiest ways to look for organic products in any supermarket or store in Japan is to look for the green JAS mark (above) on products. This official organic logo can only be applied by registered business entities that have been certified by the accredited certification body to verify that organic foods are produced in compliance with the JAS. Japanese companies are actually prohibited from selling agricultural products and processed foods as “organic foods” without the official organic JAS logo.
For imported foods that have overseas certification marks, such as USDA Organic marked products, only those that have been certified under the Organic JAS Certification System can be distributed domestically as “organic products”. Pretty much, if you find an overseas certified product within an official Japanese retail store, it is safe to assume it’s been cleared for organic consumption under the same guidelines as JAS.
If you’re looking to buy organic in Japan, here are the 10 tips Mr G taught me that I will now like to pass on to you:
1. Find Balance
Not only is organic food scarce in Japan, but it’s also crazy expensive, unlike in places like California, where organic and non-organic produce roughly cost the same. This means it is almost impossible to buy everything organic in Japan unless you are, like, a billionaire. The trick then is to simply do your best, remembering that consuming healthy foods overall, such as fruits and vegetables (organic or not), is always of benefit. Approach organic eating slowly, taking small yet significant steps at a time.
2. Do Some Research On Where To Buy
In addition to the small organic sections of Japanese grocery stores, with a bit of detective work, organic foods can be found at local produce stores, farmer’s markets and foreign and/or specialty food stores. Shop around to find which stores and products are most affordable for you.
Here’s a general list of organic chain shops or supermarkets with an organic series:
Natural House
An organic chain shop dedicated to promoting the organic lifestyle in Japan. Various shops are located around the Tokyo area and a few in other regions; see shop locations here.
Bio c’ Bon
An organic supermarket from France with fresh produce and everyday products. There are various shops around the Tokyo and Kanagawa area, see shop locations here.
Aeon’s Topvalu Green Eye Organic
An organic selection of fresh and frozen vegetables, meats, grains, sauces, milk and more within their regular supermarket. Aeon supermarkets can be found all over Japan.
Seijo Ishii
A supermarket chain known for having a unique mix of products produced both locally and from overseas. Various organic products are available. They especially have a large selection of organic drinks like wine, coffee and tea.
Costco Organic
Costco requires a yearly membership card purchase; however, it comes with a wide range of bulk items, including many organic items. For those wanting to choose organic for the whole family, a Costco card may be worth the investment.
For more specific stores to try in the city, see Savvy’s guide to buying natural and organic foods and our recommendation for Tokyo health food stores.
3. Ask Questions
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