Top-grade A5 wagyu accounts for over 75% of Japan's market, driving exports

The Japanese market faces an oversupply of premium wagyu beef, known for intense marbling. (Photo obtained by Nikkei)KOKI KUBOTAJune 25, 2026 05:38 JSTTOKYO -- Wagyu beef rated A5, the highest possible grade, is saturating the Japanese market, where inflation-hit consumers are shying away from expensive food. The resulting glut is leading producers to turn to overseas markets and compete against one another on price.

TOKYO -- Wagyu beef rated A5, the highest possible grade, is saturating the Japanese market, where inflation-hit consumers are shying away from expensive food. The resulting glut is leading producers to turn to overseas markets and compete against one another on price. TOKYO -- Wagyu beef rated A5, the highest possible grade, is saturating the Japanese market, where inflation-hit consumers are shying away from expensive food.

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