Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

The Chiba Prefectural Government is the administrative authority of Chiba Prefecture, Japan, and plays a critical role in the promotion of regional industries, infrastructure development, and international trade, including the export of seafood and agricultural products. Headquartered in Chiba City, the government acts as a central hub for economic development and policy coordination, supporting local producers and businesses in reaching global markets.

Overview of Chiba Prefecture

Chiba Prefecture, located just east of Tokyo, is one of Japan's most economically and industrially active regions. With extensive coastlines along Tokyo Bay and the Pacific Ocean, Chiba is a major player in Japan’s fisheries and maritime economy. The region is known for its advanced port infrastructure, notably the Port of Chiba, one of the largest in Japan, and a major node for international shipping and seafood export.

Core Functions in Industry Promotion

The Chiba Prefectural Government facilitates a wide range of economic initiatives that support both domestic development and international outreach. Specific to the seafood industry, the government's departments oversee:

• Support for Marine Product Exporters: Offering technical, promotional, and financial support to local fishing cooperatives and seafood processors seeking to enter or expand in international markets.
• Regulatory Oversight: Ensuring food safety and compliance with Japanese and international standards.
• Product Development and Branding: Encouraging value-added seafood product innovation under local labels and regional branding efforts such as “Chiba Brand Seafood.”
• International Trade Promotion: Organizing participation in global trade shows (e.g., Seafood Expo Global, FOODEX Japan) and business matching events.

Key Seafood Products from Chiba

While the Chiba Prefectural Government itself is not a commercial entity, it supports the export and promotion of various local seafood products, including:

• Sardines (Iwashi)
• Pacific Mackerel (Saba)
• Japanese Flying Squid (Surume-ika)
• Asari Clams
• Seaweed (Nori)
• Japanese Amberjack (Buri)
• Horse Mackerel (Aji)

These products are cultivated and harvested by local fisheries and aquaculture operators under the guidance and regulation of prefectural authorities.

Export and International Outreach

Chiba Prefecture has made strategic efforts to expand seafood exports in recent years. Highlights include:

• Partnerships with JETRO and MAFF to support regional seafood promotion.
• Export Expansion Initiatives targeting East Asia, Southeast Asia, North America, and the EU.
• Cold Chain Investment Projects to improve preservation and distribution of chilled and frozen seafood exports.
• Local-to-Global Strategy aligning with Japan’s national policy to double food exports by 2030.

According to Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Chiba ranks among the top Japanese prefectures in seafood production by volume and value, particularly for sardines and clams.

Infrastructure and Logistics

Chiba benefits from robust logistics and port infrastructure, including:

• Port of Chiba: A major international trade port facilitating seafood exports.
• Narita International Airport: Providing air freight access for perishable goods.
• Cold Storage and Processing Zones: Located in Funabashi, Choshi, and Kisarazu for pre-export handling.

These assets enable efficient movement of seafood products from harvest to international destinations.

Quality and Safety Compliance

The Chiba Prefectural Government ensures that all seafood products meet strict quality and food safety standards:

• Compliance with Japan’s Food Sanitation Act
• Traceability Systems for Exported Seafood
• HACCP Guidance for Processors and Exporters
• Support for Third-Party Certifications including MSC, ASC, and ISO standards for processors operating within the prefecture

These initiatives enhance global competitiveness and trust in Chiba-sourced seafood.

Strategic Vision

Looking forward, the Chiba Prefectural Government is focused on:

• Expanding digital export platforms and e-commerce partnerships.
• Promoting sustainable aquaculture and fisheries.
• Enhancing international marketing through culinary diplomacy.
• Supporting regional seafood brands to gain PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status under international trade frameworks.

By aligning regional producers with global market demands, Chiba Prefecture continues to play a pivotal role in Japan’s national seafood export strategy.