Japan imports approximately 2.6 million metric tons of forage annually, primarily from the United States, Australia, China, and Canada. Japanese importers have diversified suppliers and sought new products to help meet challenges posed by surging international prices and ongoing logistical challenges. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is encouraging increased domestic forage production with support payments but a limited labor supply constrains production. FAS/Japan forecasts forage demand to remain stable in the near term, reflecting stable cattle production. Japanese beef cattle producers continue to seek new rice straw suppliers to ensure a predictable and steady supply. China is currently the sole foreign supplier of rice straw with market access.