Coping with Food Crises. Japan’s Preventive Approach to Food Security

In response to three major postwar food crises (1945–1946, 1972–1973 and 2007–2008), Japan developed a distinctive approach to food security. The largest food crisis in Japan’s modern history occurred after the defeat in 1945 as a result of the loss of former colonies, adverse weather, and import limitations imposed by the Allies. In 1973, the United States imposed a soybean embargo, leaving Japan with uncertain supplies. More recently, the 2007–2008 world food prices crisis brought new concerns about Japan’s overreliance on foreign markets. As a result of the cumulative effects of these crises, Japan developed what we define a ‘preventive approach to food security’, whereby it seeks to mitigate the negative effects of any potential future food emergency by promoting self-sufficiency and ensuring a steady supply of imports. In this article we will analyse and clarify the central role of the three postwar food crises in shaping this approach.