Japan gets ready for skyrocketing eel prices as expected trade regulations against the catch have already begun to pass over the horizon. Japan imports nearly all of its broiled eel from China. With the upcoming regulatory changes, massive shortages seem inevitable. These changes are scheduled to go into effect this coming January, raising alarm bells for consumers and providers alike.
Under these new regulations, importers will need to muster the most complete paper trail possible for all eels sold inside Japan. This entails documentation of export authorization and documentation tracing the eel’s origin. The basis for these stricter measures lies in an international agreement governing the trade of wild flora and fauna, highlighting the need for sustainability and responsible sourcing.
Takumi Sasaki, a photographer based in Tokyo, recently captured a striking image of broiled eel for an article published in JST on November 20, 2025. The featured photo by Yoko Itokazu is of the Japanese culinary scene’s most treasured ingredient. Thanks to trade restrictions, that could become a lot harder, and dangerously so.
Restaurants and supermarkets in particular are anxiously trying to line up supply chains and prepare for these changes. Consumers may experience increased prices of, or decreased availability of, eel dishes, as well. Consumers should be ready to make some changes to their dining experience as the industry works to comply with the new rules. Showing the permission for export and origin would add complexity to an already intricate supply chain. It follows that suppliers will incur increased costs of doing business.
Industry specialists are keeping a sharp eye on the developments, forecasting that these regulations have the potential to completely reconfigure what the Japanese eel market looks like. The new documentation requirements are likely to keep even more importers out of the market, raising the risk of worsening shortages.