In May 2026, a delegation of the Czech Meat Processors Association (CMPA) carried out a working visit to Japan, with the aim of strengthening professional cooperation and identifying business opportunities in the Japanese market.

On 12 May 2026, an expert seminar focusing on the meat industry in Japan was held at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Tokyo. The seminar was opened by Ambassador Martin Klučar and the Chairman of the CMPA Board, Jaroslav Klouda. The program offered a comprehensive overview of current developments in the sector, covering the structure of livestock production, consumer trends, regulatory requirements, and sustainability challenges.

Representatives of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) presented the importance of livestock production, which accounts for approximately 40% of the value of Japanese agriculture, as well as the country’s persistently low level of food self-sufficiency, particularly in animal products. Attention was also given to changing dietary habits, the growing consumption of pork and poultry, and the specific position of beef, including the wagyu segment. Another presentation focused on strategies for sustainable livestock production, including measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the implementation of the MIDORI strategy aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The seminar also addressed Japan’s strict food safety regulatory framework, which sets detailed hygienic, microbiological, and technological standards for various categories of meat products. The final presentation introduced the experience of Kagoshima Prefecture in promoting exports of wagyu beef, including brand-building and targeted marketing strategies in international markets.

In addition to the seminar, the delegation’s program included visits to selected facilities and traditional crafts. The delegation visited a meat processing plant in the city of Himeji, near Kobe, where they became acquainted with modern meat processing techniques and the strong emphasis on quality and safety standards. Another stop was the traditional production of Japanese knives in the city of Sakai, representing an important element of Japanese culinary culture and the quality of raw material processing.

The visit of the CMPA delegation confirmed the strong interest of Czech producers in the Japanese market and contributed to a deeper understanding of its specific characteristics. It also created opportunities for further development of cooperation between Czech and Japanese partners in the meat industry and related sectors.