Japan, renowned for its high consumption of strawberries and a wide variety of strawberry-based sweets, continues to innovate in strawberry farming and breeding. Tochigi Prefecture, the top strawberry producer for over 50 years, has introduced a new variety, Tochiaika, which has surpassed the long-standing Tochiotome. Tochiaika, distinguished by its sweeter taste and distinctive heart shape when sliced lengthwise, now accounts for nearly 60% of strawberry cultivation in the region.
Japan’s commitment to strawberry breeding is clear, as the country is home to half of the world’s registered strawberry varieties, reflecting its pioneering efforts since the Meiji period. Since the 2000s, the development of local varieties has become a major trend, creating a competitive market with unique breeds that vary in both color and flavor.
Technological advancements have significantly shaped strawberry cultivation in Japan. MD-Farm, a startup from Niigata Prefecture, is leading these innovations with a 400-square-meter facility in Yamagata Prefecture. The system employs LEDs, a specialized growing medium, and nutrient solutions to enable year-round production without the use of agricultural chemicals or honeybee pollination. This method not only ensures consistent yields but also allows for precise control over the sweetness and size of the strawberries.
Strawberries remain a favorite among Japanese consumers, as confirmed by a recent MyVoice Communications Inc. survey, marking them as the top fruit for the fifth consecutive time since 2013. Ongoing innovations in strawberry varieties and cultivation techniques have sustained and increased consumer interest, making strawberries a versatile and increasingly available year-round fruit in Japan.
