Japan is a leading seafood consumer, with a strong tradition of preferring raw, chilled, and fresh fish and seafood over frozen or dried varieties. The country's dietary habits are influenced by its island geography, cultural values, and an aging population. Shrimp is a staple in the Japanese diet, consumed year-round but especially during spring and summer due to its pink color's association with cherry blossoms. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic causing a slight dip in imports in 2020, demand has rebounded in 2021. Japan imports most of its shrimp from Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Argentina, with a preference for value-added products. This demand is expected to rise as COVID-19 restrictions ease and vaccination rates increase.