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Crop Protection in Japan – 2025 Overview

Japan’s agriculture sector is facing growing pressures from pests, diseases, and weeds, all while adapting to climate change and evolving regulatory landscapes. As a result, crop protection (病害虫・雑草防除) is becoming more strategic, combining traditional chemical use with integrated pest management (IPM), biocontrol, and digital ag‑tech.

1. Current Trends in Crop Protection

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) gaining traction:
In 2025, there is a strong push for IPM in Japanese farming. For example, early-stage protection of transplanted rice (水稲) is increasingly centered around IPM techniques to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and minimize environmental impact. jacom.or.jp
Heat-resistant rice varieties:
To cope with hotter summers, researchers are developing and promoting heat-tolerant rice, which helps maintain yield under pest stress. Reuters
Biological control and bio‑pesticides:
The Japan BioControl Association (日本生物防除協議会) is promoting use of beneficial organisms, microbial pesticides, and pheromone traps alongside chemicals as part of sustainable IPM programs. biocontrol.jp
Pest risk escalation:
CropLife JAPAN (formerly JCPA) emphasizes that pest risk is rising due to climate change, global trade, and invasive species. クロップライフジャパン
New pest outbreaks:
According to the Japan Plant Protection Association, there was a significant surge in certain pests in 2024 — for instance, fruit stink bugs (カメムシ) were reported in 38 prefectures. 日本農業新聞　広告サイト
Digital tools for protection:
There’s increased adoption of smart farming technologies, including IoT‑enabled machinery for precision spraying and pest monitoring. A recent study demonstrated using low‑cost GNSS IoT devices on legacy farm machines in central Japan for better field management. arXiv
Regulatory updates & extension guidelines:
Prefectures like Chiba have released updated 2025 pest‑weed‑disease control guidelines (防除指針), highlighting preventive measures and reducing over-reliance on chemistry. pref.chiba.lg.jp
Pesticide registration and innovation:
Japanese agrochemical companies (e.g., 日本農薬株式会社) continue to register new crop protection products in 2025, including safer chemistries and advanced formulations. nichino.co.jp

2. Key Challenges for Crop Protection in Japan

Chemical dependence vs. sustainability: While pesticides remain central, there is concern over over-reliance and the potential environmental load.
Invasive and migratory pests: Pests like ツマジロクサヨトウ (fall armyworm) and other invasive species threaten crops. The JPPA provides flying‑insect prediction systems for such pests. jppa.or.jp
Regulatory pressure: With increased focus on sustainability, there is growing scrutiny on pesticide use and tighter regulations.
Farmer knowledge: Transitioning to IPM and biocontrol requires training and more advisory support for farmers.
Climate change: Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns heighten pest pressures and can exacerbate disease spread.

3. Strategic Opportunities & Solutions

Expand IPM adoption: Encouraging farmers to use a mix of biological control, chemical control, and cultural practices will reduce environmental risk.
Boost biopesticide development: Continued R&D in microbial agents, pheromone traps, and natural predators can reduce chemical loads.
Promote precision ag‑tech: Use of IoT, sensors, and GPS-guided sprayers can improve timing and reduce over-application.
Strengthen early warning systems: Expand pest forecasting systems for migratory and emerging pests to give farmers actionable intelligence.
Regulate smartly: Policies that balance pesticide safety with innovation will be key — supporting novel “green” actives and safer formulations.

4. Role of Key Institutions

CropLife JAPAN (旧 JCPA): Leading innovation in crop protection, promoting IPM and eco-friendly solutions. クロップライフジャパン
Japan BioControl Association: Advocating for biological pest control and IPM programs. biocontrol.jp
Japan Plant Protection Association (JPPA): Providing technical guidance, IPM education, and pest outbreak monitoring. jppa.or.jp+2jppa.or.jp+2
Prefectural agricultural offices: Such as Chiba prefecture, publishing current pest‑weed‑disease control guidelines. pref.chiba.lg.jp