Japanese fisheries operators are raising alarms over potential disruptions to seafood exports to the Chinese mainland following recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that drew strong reactions from Beijing. The situation has sparked urgent calls for government intervention to stabilize trade relations.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Wednesday that Japanese seafood 'would find no market' in the Chinese mainland under current conditions. This response has intensified anxieties in Japan's Hokkaido, Aomori, and other coastal regions, where fisheries form a critical economic pillar.
'Our livelihoods depend on stable trade,' said a Hokkaido fisheries representative, who requested anonymity. 'We urge authorities to clarify the situation and prevent long-term damage to our industry.'
The Hokkaido prefecture government held an emergency meeting on November 19 to address mounting concerns, emphasizing the need for swift diplomatic engagement. Local officials warned that delays could exacerbate financial strain on producers and coastal communities.
Industry leaders stress that resolving the impasse requires transparent dialogue, noting that over 30% of Japan's seafood exports flowed to the Chinese mainland in 2024. With 2025's harvest season underway, stakeholders await concrete steps to rebuild market confidence.
