Global konjac popularity boosts Japan exports of low-cal, healthy root

Producers try to offset shrinking sales at home with offerings designed for overseas

20241215N Konjak

A Gunma prefecture farmer displays packages of gummy candies made from the konjac root, which is shown on the left. (Photo by Jumpei Kinefuchi)

JUMPEI KINEFUCHI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- The growing popularity of konjac internationally is fueling Japanese exports of the root vegetable even as consumption at home declines.

Called konnyaku in Japan, the low-calorie food used frequently in traditional cooking is finding favor with consumers across the globe for its supposed health benefits.

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