JAPANESE FOOD LABEL REQUIREMENTS

Do food products sold in Japan need a Japanese label?

Yes. For food sold in Japan, mandatory food labelling generally must be prepared in Japanese. This guide focuses on general processed foods sold to consumers in a container or package.

The short answer

An overseas label in English or another language does not replace the mandatory Japanese information. Imported finished foods also need a Japanese label before they are sold in Japan.

What law is the requirement based on?

The Food Labeling Act provides the legal framework. The detailed display rules are set out in the Food Labelling Standards. Article 8, paragraph 1, item 1 of the Standards requires the mandatory information for general processed foods to be presented in Japanese using accurate, readable and understandable terms.

The Consumer Affairs Agency also states in English that food labelling must be in Japanese when selling in Japan. The current Japanese law and official materials are controlling; English translations may be updated later.

What is normally shown on a Japanese label?

The exact requirements depend on the food. A consumer package for an imported general processed food commonly includes the following items.

01Name of the food
02Ingredients
03Allergen information
04Additives
05Net quantity
06Best-before or use-by date
07Storage instructions
08Country of origin for the imported finished product
09Japanese importer name and address
10Nutrition information

EXAMPLE

Example: an imported seasoning

Suppose a packaged seasoning made in Country A will be imported and sold to consumers in Japan.

Overseas package

Product name, ingredients and nutrition shown only in English

Japanese sales label

Japanese name, ingredients, additives, allergens, quantity, date, storage, country of origin, importer and nutrition information

Why a literal translation is not enough

Japanese labelling rules determine the item names, ingredient order, additive names, allergen wording, responsible business information and other details. Start from the recipe, supplier specifications and actual manufacturing or import information—not only from the wording printed on an overseas package.

From English information to a Japanese draft

Collect the source information

Prepare the recipe, compound-ingredient specifications, additive information, allergens, quantity, date and storage basis, nutrition data and business details.

Create and check a draft

Use the free tool to organize the information in English. Confirm each Japanese suggestion and keep unresolved wording visible for follow-up.

Review product-specific rules

Check food-specific requirements, claims, origin rules, font size and final artwork. Use paid review if you want an individual check of your draft and documents.

Create a draft with the free English tool

The tool covers a common starting scope for consumer-packaged general processed foods, including products made in Japan and imported finished products. It does not calculate nutrition values or determine shelf life.

Create a free Japanese label draft →

Need your own label checked?

The English paid-review page shows three support levels and the current request status. When intake is open, you can submit a draft, ingredient information and supporting files. Submission does not create a contract or take payment.

View paid review plans →

Frequently asked questions

Can I sell food in Japan with only an English label?

Generally no. Mandatory information for food sold in Japan must be provided in Japanese. Other languages may be added, but they do not replace the required Japanese display.

Does an imported food need a Japanese label?

Yes. Imported finished food sold in Japan needs the applicable mandatory information in Japanese, including the country of origin and the Japanese importer’s name and address where required.

Is the Food Labeling Act the only rule I need to check?

No. The Food Labeling Act is the framework, while the Food Labelling Standards and official notices and Q&A provide detailed rules. Other laws and product-specific requirements may also apply.

Does the free tool guarantee compliance?

No. It creates a working draft from the information you provide and flags unresolved items. It cannot verify missing source data, every product-specific rule or final package artwork.

Can I ask someone to check the draft?

Three paid review levels are listed. Check the request page for the current acceptance status. When intake is open, we confirm the exact scope, fee, timing and payment method by email before paid work begins.

Official sources

Legal content last reviewed against Consumer Affairs Agency materials: August 31, 2026