Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Dried common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris; “ingenmame/saitou” in Japanese production context) in Japan is supplied by a mix of domestic production and imports. Domestic dry common-bean production is concentrated in Hokkaido, with Tokachi and Okhotsk noted as core producing areas for major market types such as Kintoki (red) and Tebo (white) beans used in cooked-bean, sweetened-bean, and confectionery channels. Imports are also part of supply, with Japan Bean Association materials noting sourcing from countries including Canada, the United States, and China. Market availability is effectively year-round through storage and imports, with domestic harvest and post-harvest handling centered on early autumn in Hokkaido.
Market RoleNet importer with concentrated domestic production (Hokkaido) for specific bean types
Domestic RoleDomestic production supplies traditional processed uses (cooked beans, sweetened beans, bean paste and confectionery) and retail dry-bean channels; imports complement supply for food manufacturing and broader variety needs
SeasonalityDomestic production in Hokkaido is planted in late May to early June and reaches maturity around early to mid-September; threshing and shipment commonly run from late September through mid-October. Supply is available year-round via storage and imports.
Specification
Secondary Variety- Kintoki (red kidney bean types; Phaseolus vulgaris)
- Tebo (white bean types used for white bean paste)
- Uzura (speckled bean types)
Physical Attributes- Seed-coat color and pattern (red/purple, white, speckled) is a primary product-type differentiator in Japanese dry-bean channels (e.g., Kintoki vs Tebo vs Uzura).
- Defect control and sorting/cleaning (e.g., stone removal and selection) are part of post-farm preparation prior to shipment to processors or retail repack.
Packaging- Domestic lots are commonly cleaned/sorted through cooperatives or distributors and may be shipped to processors in bulk or repacked into small retail bags.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Hokkaido production: sowing → field management → maturity → cutting/drying → threshing → shipment
- Post-farm: cooperative/distributor cleaning & sorting (e.g., stone removal, selection) → shipment to processors (nimame/bean paste/confectionery) or retail repack
- Imports: origin cleaning/sorting → bagging/containerization → sea freight → Japan plant quarantine inspection → food sanitation compliance checks at quarantine station (as applicable) → customs clearance → importer storage/distribution
Temperature- Dry storage conditions (low humidity) are emphasized to reduce mold and insect risk during storage and distribution.
Atmosphere Control- Ventilated, dry warehousing and container practices help limit quality deterioration and insect activity in dried beans.
Shelf Life- Long shelf-life is achievable under dry, pest-controlled storage; quality risk centers on moisture uptake and insect infestation rather than rapid perishability.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Phytosanitary HighJapan’s plant quarantine regime can delay, require treatment of, or reject shipments of dried beans if quarantine pests are detected or if required phytosanitary documentation/inspection conditions are not met at entry.Confirm product-specific phytosanitary certificate requirements with Japan Plant Protection Station in advance; implement pre-shipment cleaning, insect control, and documentation checks aligned to the importer’s entry checklist.
Food Safety MediumImported beans are subject to Japan’s Food Sanitation Act controls, including pesticide-residue compliance under the positive list system; violations detected at quarantine stations can trigger measures such as disposal or return of goods.Run supplier residue-control programs and COA/traceable lab testing aligned to Japan MHLW positive list requirements; monitor MHLW inspection orders and violation cases relevant to pulses.
Tariff And Quota MediumTariff treatment for dried common beans can vary by Japan’s detailed statistical code and may involve quota-linked categories (e.g., pooled quota references for certain kidney bean classifications), creating landed-cost and clearance uncertainty if misclassified.Align HS/statistical code classification and quota applicability with a Japan customs broker/importer before contracting; ensure origin documentation matches the intended preferential program (if used).
Logistics MediumAs a bulk commodity typically moved by sea, dried common beans can be exposed to freight-rate volatility and container/port disruptions that affect delivery schedules and landed cost in Japan.Use forward freight planning (rate agreements where feasible), maintain safety stock for processor programs, and specify moisture/pest control requirements for containers and warehousing to protect quality during delays.
FAQ
Where are Japan’s domestically produced dried common beans mainly grown?Domestic production is concentrated in Hokkaido, with Tokachi and Okhotsk highlighted as core producing areas for major dry common-bean types such as Kintoki (red) and Tebo (white).
What is the main deal-breaker compliance risk for shipping dried common beans into Japan?Plant quarantine is the top blocker risk: Japan requires import inspection for plant products, and shipments can be delayed, treated, or rejected if quarantine pests are detected or if required phytosanitary conditions/documentation are not satisfied.
What food-safety framework matters most for pesticide residues on imported beans in Japan?Japan’s MHLW positive list system sets residue standards for pesticides (and related substances) and bans distribution of foods exceeding those standards; imported foods are checked through quarantine-station measures under the Food Sanitation Act.