Japan imports okra mainly from the Philippines followed by Thailand. Japan usually imports okra during the cold seasons when domestic okra production is low. 

The Japanese government does not consolidate and publish their okra imports annually as the HS Code used in the country is under “Others” which include other commodities. Vegetable related organizations in Japan may publish statistics after a set of years.  

Okra importers also have their own data.

This website will also be publishing updated data when available.

1. Notification Form for Importation of Foods, etc. (Food Sanitation Act) *(maybe link to page)
2. Phytosanitary Certificate issued from the exporting country’s government (Plant Protection Act)

Besides the regular import requirements(Food Sanitation Act and Plant Protection Act) of food in Japan, every okra consignment currently has to undergo a strict mandatory inspection of the chemicals Tebufenozide, Fluazifop-butyl and Methamidophos in Japan.

Exporters and importers can be exempted from this mandatory inspection if the exporter in the Philippines passes a screening process and register as a trusted company based on the protocol agreed upon by both the Philippine and Japanese government. This process will be conducted by the competent offices of the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry.

Besides this website, you can find export market intelligence through the Philippines Statistics Authority.

The Philippines exports okra mainly to Japan followed by Hong Kong, Canada, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Okra is sold all year round in Japan and can be found in almost all supermarkets. Okra is domestically grown in Japan during spring and summer from May and harvested towards the beginning of fall during July to October. Japan imports from the Philippines and Thailand during fall and winter season between November to April when the domestic production is low.