Japan to export chrysanthemums to U.S. for the first time

Cut chrysanthemums will be exported for the first time from Japan to the United States this year. The Aichi Minami branch of the Japan Agricultural Cooperatives (JA) in Tahara, Aichi Prefecture, will carry out the exports in cooperation with the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry and the Aichi prefectural government.

Aichi Prefecture leads Japan in both chrysanthemum production volume and output value, with more than 30% share of the national total in both categories. However, domestic demand has declined since the COVID-19 pandemic due to factors including the growing popularity of smaller-scale funerals. New opportunities overseas are thus being sought.

The planted area of chrysanthemums in Aichi Prefecture was 1,262 hectares in 2023, the shipment volume was 419 million stems and the production value was ¥21.8 billion, all ranking first nationally, according to 2023 data.

The main chrysanthemum production areas within the prefecture are the cities of Tahara and Toyokawa. The region’s warm climate, secure water supply — from sources like the Toyokawa irrigation canal — and established electric lighting cultivation techniques enable three harvests per year through greenhouse cultivation.