Japan's rice cracker makers find crunchy new markets abroad

Foreign tourists, health-conscious snackers give lift to exports

Kameda's Kaki no Tane and Happy Turn snacks are exported to around 40 countries.

MIHO SAITO, Nikkei staff writer

August 5, 2023 19:13 JST

NIIGATA, Japan -- Rice cracker exports from Japan have been rising, helped by growing recognition overseas that they are relatively healthy snacks. The growing market for gluten-free food products, which do not contain wheat, is also giving a lift to exports, which are expanding at close to the record pace of 2021.