Japan Kimchi Market Size, Share, And COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Vegan Kimchi, Seafood-Based Kimchi, Traditional Kimchi), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Online Retail, Convenience Stores), By Application (Household, Restaurants, Food Manufacturers), And Japan Kimchi Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecast To 2035.

Japan Kimchi Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• Japan Kimchi Market Size 2024: USD 31.27 Mn
• Japan Kimchi Market Size 2035:  USD 68.42 Mn
• Japan Kimchi Market Size CAGR 2024: 7.38%
• Japan Kimchi Market Size Segments: Product Type, Distribution Channel, and Application 

Kimchi is a Korean fermented vegetable product made primarily from cabbage, radish, or other vegetables, seasoned with chili, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce. In Japan, the kimchi market has grown due to the popularity of Korean culture and increasing health consciousness. Kimchi is widely consumed in households as a side dish, in restaurants, and as an ingredient in ready-to-eat meals and food manufacturing. The Japan kimchi market is driven by Japanese consumers’ interest in probiotic-rich foods and plant-based options, and it is influenced by taste preferences, flavour acceptance, and pricing strategies.

Innovations such as mild Japanese-style kimchi, additive-free variants, vegan options, and premium probiotic products have expanded the market. Expansion of supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retail channels provides easier access. Overall, evolving consumer preferences, increased awareness of gut health, product diversification, and modern retail penetration create significant opportunities for Japan’s kimchi market growth.

Market Dynamics of the Japan Kimchi Market:

The Japan kimchi market is fueled by the rising consumer trend for healthy foods, fermented foods, and functional foods, the rising popularity of probiotic foods and gut-related foods, and the rising popularity of Korean food culture in urban Japan. The development of distribution channels, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and e-commerce platforms, and the social media pull of K-pop culture also contribute to increased consumption of kimchi in Japan.

High dependency on import of raw materials from Korea, availability of fresh vegetables throughout the year, competitive environment due to local processed vegetables, and higher prices compared to other side dishes are some of the restraining factors in the market growth. Consumer preference regarding intense Flavors and spiciness can hamper demand in taste-sensitive consumer segments.

Areas that need improvement and hence pose challenges include ready-to-eat packed kimchi, low-sodium and mild spicy variants, development of e-commerce platforms, and value-added functional foods fortified with probiotic properties. tie-ups with South Korean food companies and penetrating tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Market Segmentation

The Japan Kimchi Market share is classified into product type, distribution channel, and application.

By Product Type:

The market is segmented by product type into vegan kimchi, seafood-based kimchi, and traditional kimchi. Among these, the vegan kimchi segment accounted for the largest revenue market share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The segmental growth is driven by the rising preference for plant-based foods among consumers. It is also supported by the mild taste of vegan kimchi, which appeals to a wider audience, and increasing health awareness that encourages people to choose cleaner, plant-based options.

By Distribution Channel:

The Japan kimchi market is segmented by distribution channel into supermarkets/hypermarkets, online retail, and convenience stores. Among these, the supermarkets/hypermarkets segment dominated the market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The segmental growth is driven by high product visibility in supermarkets and hypermarkets, making kimchi easier for consumers to notice and choose. It is also supported by frequent promotions that attract buyers and wide brand availability that offers more options in one place.

By Application:

The Japan kimchi market is segmented by application into household, restaurants, and food manufacturers. Among these, the household segment dominated the market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The segmental growth is driven by daily consumption of kimchi in households, as it is a regular part of meals. It is also supported by convenience, since packaged kimchi is easy to store and use, and rising health awareness that encourages its frequent intake.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organisations/companies involved within the Japan kimchi market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market. 

Top Key Companies in Japan Kimchi Market:

• Richouen Co., Ltd.
• Saikabo
• Tokai Pickling Co., Ltd.
• INA KIMCHI
• Kibun Foods Inc.
• Marukai Corporation
• Hanaro Foods
• Shin Kimchi Japan Co., Ltd.
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at the Japan, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the Japan kimchi market based on the below-mentioned segments:

Japan Kimchi Market, By Product Type

• Vegan Kimchi
• Seafood-Based Kimchi
• Traditional Kimchi

Japan Kimchi Market, By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Online Retail
• Convenience Stores

Japan Kimchi Market, By Application

• Household
• Restaurants
• Food Manufacturers