The Development of Halal Food Market in Japan: An Exploratory Study

Ageing population, changes in social structure, coupled with the recent disaster have added to economic turmoil of Japan. The long-depended industries such as automotive and electronics manufacturing have been negatively affected while the import of food and natural resources such as oil and gas have substantially increased. Therefore, Japan needs to identify other segments or industries that can re-energize the economy of the country. This paper discusses the overlooked halal food segment in Japan as a catalyst in developing other potential sectors, in line with rapid globalization and internationalization. Using content analysis from various literatures, this exploratory study focuses on the past and current situation of halal food segment, and how its development can potentially affect growing sectors such as tourism and education in Japan.