Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market

Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market, valued at USD 2.7 billion, is growing due to rising fitness activities, health awareness, and demand for protein supplements and plant-based options.

Region:Asia

Author(s):Shubham

Product Code:KRAB1295

Pages:92

Published On:October 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market Overview

  • The Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market is valued at USD 2.7 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers, a rise in fitness activities, and the growing popularity of sports among the youth. The demand for protein-rich products has surged as consumers seek to enhance their physical performance and overall well-being, with particular emphasis on clean label, plant-based and lactose-friendly proteins, sugar reduction, and functional add-ins for recovery and performance.
  • Key players in this market include Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama, which dominate due to their large populations, high disposable incomes, and a strong culture of fitness and health. These cities are also home to numerous gyms, fitness centers, and health food stores, making them prime locations for the distribution of sports nutrition products. The market benefits from multichannel distribution including drugstores, convenience stores, gyms, specialty retailers, and strong e-commerce platforms with subscription and bundle pricing options.
  • The Food Sanitation Act, administered by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 2020 establishes comprehensive regulations for sports nutrition products in Japan. This legislation mandates strict labeling requirements for nutritional information and ingredient sourcing, sets safety standards for functional ingredients, and requires compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices for all sports nutrition manufacturers, aimed at protecting consumer health and promoting transparency in the market.
Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market Size

Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market Segmentation

By Type:The market is segmented into various types of products, including protein powders, protein bars, ready-to-drink protein beverages, supplements (amino acids, creatine), meal replacement products, sports drinks, weight loss products, sports foods, and others. Sports supplements represent the largest segment with over 50% market share, driven by their versatility and effectiveness in muscle recovery and growth. The increasing trend of home workouts and fitness regimes has further propelled demand, with ready-to-drink formats and convenient multipacks offering usage opportunities beyond gyms into commuting and workplace routines.

Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market segmentation by Type.

By End-User:The end-user segmentation includes athletes, fitness enthusiasts, casual consumers, health-conscious individuals, and others. Athletes represent the largest segment, as they require specialized nutrition to enhance performance and recovery. The growing trend of fitness among the general population has also led to an increase in demand from fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals, who seek to improve their physical health and appearance. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased health awareness and importance of supplements, with Japanese women increasingly preferring athletic physiques.

Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market segmentation by End-User.

Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market Competitive Landscape

The Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd., Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kirin Holdings Company, Limited, Suntory Holdings Limited, Glico Group, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd., Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., DAIWA Foods Co., Ltd., Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd., Calpis Co., Ltd., Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Nestlé Japan Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Kewpie Corporation, Fancl Corporation, Nisshin Seifun Group Inc. contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd.

1889

Tokyo, Japan

Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.

1906

Tokyo, Japan

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

1921

Tokyo, Japan

Kirin Holdings Company, Limited

1907

Tokyo, Japan

Suntory Holdings Limited

1899

Osaka, Japan

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)

Revenue Growth Rate (YoY %)

Market Share (%)

Distribution Channel Coverage (number of outlets, e-commerce presence)

Product Portfolio Breadth (number of SKUs, product categories)

Brand Awareness Index (survey-based or digital metrics)

Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing Health Consciousness:The Japanese population is increasingly prioritizing health, with 65% of adults actively seeking healthier food options. This trend is supported by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, which reported a 20% rise in health-related spending from 2021 to 2024. As consumers become more aware of nutrition's role in wellness, the demand for sports nutrition products, particularly protein supplements, is expected to surge, driving market growth significantly.
  • Rise in Fitness Activities:Japan has seen a notable increase in fitness participation, with over 35 million individuals engaging in regular exercise as of future. The Japan Sports Agency reported a 25% increase in gym memberships since 2021. This growing fitness culture is fueling demand for sports nutrition products, as consumers seek to enhance their performance and recovery, thereby propelling the market forward in future.
  • Expansion of E-commerce Platforms:E-commerce sales of sports nutrition products in Japan reached ¥180 billion in future, reflecting a 30% increase from the previous year. The convenience of online shopping, coupled with the rise of digital marketing strategies, has made it easier for consumers to access a variety of products. This shift towards online purchasing is expected to continue, further driving market growth as brands enhance their digital presence and reach.

Market Challenges

  • Intense Competition:The Japanese sports nutrition market is characterized by fierce competition, with over 250 brands vying for market share. This saturation leads to aggressive pricing strategies, which can erode profit margins. According to industry reports, the top five brands account for only 30% of the market, indicating a fragmented landscape where new entrants struggle to establish a foothold amidst established players.
  • Regulatory Compliance Issues:Navigating Japan's stringent regulatory environment poses significant challenges for sports nutrition companies. The Food Safety Commission mandates rigorous testing and compliance with food safety standards, which can delay product launches. In future, over 45% of new product applications faced regulatory hurdles, impacting the ability of companies to innovate and respond to market demands swiftly.

Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market Future Outlook

The future of the Japan sports nutrition market appears promising, driven by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. As personalization in nutrition becomes more prevalent, brands are likely to invest in tailored products that meet individual dietary needs. Additionally, the integration of technology in product development, such as using AI for formulation, will enhance product efficacy and consumer engagement, positioning companies for sustained growth in this dynamic market landscape.

Market Opportunities

  • Growth in Online Sales Channels:The shift towards online shopping presents a significant opportunity, with e-commerce projected to account for 45% of total sales by future. Companies can leverage this trend by enhancing their online platforms and utilizing targeted marketing strategies to reach a broader audience, ultimately increasing sales and brand loyalty.
  • Increasing Demand for Plant-Based Products:The plant-based protein segment is gaining traction, with sales growing by 35% annually. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, brands that offer innovative plant-based options can tap into this lucrative market, catering to the rising demand for sustainable and health-oriented nutrition solutions.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Type

Protein Powders

Protein Bars

Ready-to-Drink Protein Beverages

Supplements (Amino Acids, Creatine)

Meal Replacement Products

Sports Drinks

Weight Loss Products

Sports Foods

Others

By End-User

Athletes

Fitness Enthusiasts

Casual Consumers

Health-Conscious Individuals

Others

By Distribution Channel

Online Retail

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

Specialty Stores

Health and Wellness Stores

Gyms and Fitness Centers

Convenience Stores

Drug Stores and Pharmacies

Others

By Price Range

Budget

Mid-Range

Premium

By Packaging Type

Bottles

Pouches

Tubs

Sachets

By Ingredient Source

Animal-Based

Plant-Based

Blends

By Product Form

Powder

Liquid

Solid

Others

By Region

Kanto Region

Kansai/Kinki Region

Central/Chubu Region

Kyushu-Okinawa Region

Tohoku Region

Chugoku Region

Hokkaido Region

Shikoku Region

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; Consumer Affairs Agency)

Manufacturers and Producers

Distributors and Retailers

Sports Organizations and Associations

Health and Fitness Clubs

Nutritionists and Dietitians

Food Safety Authorities

Players Mentioned in the Report:

Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd.

Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Kirin Holdings Company, Limited

Suntory Holdings Limited

Glico Group

Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.

Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

DAIWA Foods Co., Ltd.

Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.

Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd.

Calpis Co., Ltd.

Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited

Nestle Japan Ltd.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

Kewpie Corporation

Fancl Corporation

Nisshin Seifun Group Inc.

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing Health Consciousness
3.1.2 Rise in Fitness Activities
3.1.3 Expansion of E-commerce Platforms
3.1.4 Innovation in Product Offerings

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 Intense Competition
3.2.2 Regulatory Compliance Issues
3.2.3 Price Sensitivity Among Consumers
3.2.4 Limited Awareness of Product Benefits

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Growth in Online Sales Channels
3.3.2 Increasing Demand for Plant-Based Products
3.3.3 Expansion into Emerging Markets
3.3.4 Collaborations with Fitness Influencers

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Personalization of Nutrition Products
3.4.2 Focus on Clean Label Products
3.4.3 Rise of Functional Foods
3.4.4 Increased Use of Technology in Product Development

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Food Safety Standards
3.5.2 Labeling Requirements
3.5.3 Import Regulations
3.5.4 Health Claims Regulations

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market Segmentation

8.1 By Type

8.1.1 Protein Powders
8.1.2 Protein Bars
8.1.3 Ready-to-Drink Protein Beverages
8.1.4 Supplements (Amino Acids, Creatine)
8.1.5 Meal Replacement Products
8.1.6 Sports Drinks
8.1.7 Weight Loss Products
8.1.8 Sports Foods
8.1.9 Others

8.2 By End-User

8.2.1 Athletes
8.2.2 Fitness Enthusiasts
8.2.3 Casual Consumers
8.2.4 Health-Conscious Individuals
8.2.5 Others

8.3 By Distribution Channel

8.3.1 Online Retail
8.3.2 Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
8.3.3 Specialty Stores
8.3.4 Health and Wellness Stores
8.3.5 Gyms and Fitness Centers
8.3.6 Convenience Stores
8.3.7 Drug Stores and Pharmacies
8.3.8 Others

8.4 By Price Range

8.4.1 Budget
8.4.2 Mid-Range
8.4.3 Premium

8.5 By Packaging Type

8.5.1 Bottles
8.5.2 Pouches
8.5.3 Tubs
8.5.4 Sachets

8.6 By Ingredient Source

8.6.1 Animal-Based
8.6.2 Plant-Based
8.6.3 Blends

8.7 By Product Form

8.7.1 Powder
8.7.2 Liquid
8.7.3 Solid
8.7.4 Others

8.8 By Region

8.8.1 Kanto Region
8.8.2 Kansai/Kinki Region
8.8.3 Central/Chubu Region
8.8.4 Kyushu-Okinawa Region
8.8.5 Tohoku Region
8.8.6 Chugoku Region
8.8.7 Hokkaido Region
8.8.8 Shikoku Region

9. Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 KPIs for Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)
9.2.3 Revenue Growth Rate (YoY %)
9.2.4 Market Share (%)
9.2.5 Distribution Channel Coverage (number of outlets, e-commerce presence)
9.2.6 Product Portfolio Breadth (number of SKUs, product categories)
9.2.7 Brand Awareness Index (survey-based or digital metrics)
9.2.8 R&D/Innovation Spend (% of revenue)
9.2.9 Customer Retention Rate (%)
9.2.10 Pricing Positioning (premium, mid, budget)
9.2.11 Regulatory Compliance Score
9.2.12 Sustainability Initiatives (qualitative/quantitative)

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 List of Major Companies

9.5.1 Asahi Group Holdings, Ltd.
9.5.2 Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.
9.5.3 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
9.5.4 Kirin Holdings Company, Limited
9.5.5 Suntory Holdings Limited
9.5.6 Glico Group
9.5.7 Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
9.5.8 Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.
9.5.9 Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
9.5.10 DAIWA Foods Co., Ltd.
9.5.11 Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.
9.5.12 Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd.
9.5.13 Calpis Co., Ltd.
9.5.14 Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
9.5.15 Nestlé Japan Ltd.
9.5.16 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
9.5.17 Kewpie Corporation
9.5.18 Fancl Corporation
9.5.19 Nisshin Seifun Group Inc.

10. Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Government Health Initiatives
10.1.2 Budget Allocations for Sports Programs
10.1.3 Collaboration with Nutrition Experts

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment in Sports Facilities
10.2.2 Sponsorship of Athletic Events
10.2.3 Funding for Health Campaigns

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Accessibility of Products
10.3.2 Affordability Concerns
10.3.3 Quality Assurance Issues

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Awareness of Nutritional Benefits
10.4.2 Willingness to Experiment with New Products
10.4.3 Trust in Brand Reputation

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Measurement of Health Outcomes
10.5.2 Feedback Mechanisms for Product Improvement
10.5.3 Expansion into New Consumer Segments

11. Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market Gaps Identification

1.2 Value Proposition Development

1.3 Revenue Streams Analysis

1.4 Cost Structure Evaluation

1.5 Key Partnerships Exploration

1.6 Customer Segmentation

1.7 Channels of Distribution


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding Strategies

2.2 Product USPs


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban Retail vs Rural NGO Tie-ups


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved Routes

4.2 Pricing Bands


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category Gaps

5.2 Consumer Segments


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty Programs

6.2 After-sales Service


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability

7.2 Integrated Supply Chains


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

8.2 Branding

8.3 Distribution Setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product Mix
9.1.2 Pricing Band
9.1.3 Packaging

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target Countries
9.2.2 Compliance Roadmap

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 JV

10.2 Greenfield

10.3 M&A

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital Requirements

11.2 Timelines


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership vs Partnerships


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven Analysis

13.2 Long-term Sustainability


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 JVs

14.3 Acquisition Targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Activity Planning
15.2.2 Milestone Tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of market reports from industry associations and government publications on sports nutrition trends in Japan
  • Review of academic journals and articles focusing on protein consumption patterns and dietary habits among Japanese athletes
  • Examination of sales data and product offerings from leading sports nutrition brands operating in Japan

Primary Research

  • Interviews with nutritionists and dietitians specializing in sports nutrition to gather insights on consumer preferences
  • Surveys conducted with fitness trainers and coaches to understand the demand for protein products among athletes
  • Focus group discussions with consumers to explore attitudes towards protein supplements and their purchasing behavior

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of findings through comparison with international market trends and local consumer behavior studies
  • Triangulation of data from primary interviews, surveys, and secondary research to ensure consistency and reliability
  • Sanity checks through expert panel reviews involving industry veterans and academic professionals in sports nutrition

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of the overall sports nutrition market size in Japan based on national health and fitness expenditure data
  • Segmentation of the market by product type, including protein powders, bars, and ready-to-drink products
  • Incorporation of demographic factors such as age, gender, and fitness levels to refine market size estimates

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Collection of sales volume data from key retailers and e-commerce platforms specializing in sports nutrition products
  • Analysis of pricing strategies and average selling prices for various protein products in the market
  • Estimation of market share for emerging brands versus established players based on sales data and consumer feedback

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Utilization of time-series analysis to project future market growth based on historical sales data
  • Scenario modeling considering factors such as economic conditions, health trends, and regulatory changes affecting the sports nutrition market
  • Development of multiple growth scenarios (baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic) to assess potential market trajectories through 2030

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Professional Athletes60Elite athletes across various sports disciplines
Fitness Enthusiasts100Regular gym-goers and fitness program participants
Nutrition Experts40Registered dietitians and sports nutritionists
Retailers of Sports Nutrition Products50Store managers and buyers from health food stores and gyms
Online Consumers of Protein Products80Individuals purchasing protein products through e-commerce platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market?

The Japan Sports Nutrition and Protein Products Market is valued at approximately USD 2.7 billion, reflecting a significant growth driven by increasing health consciousness, fitness activities, and the demand for protein-rich products among consumers.

What factors are driving growth in the Japan Sports Nutrition Market?

Who are the major players in the Japan Sports Nutrition Market?

What types of products are included in the Japan Sports Nutrition Market?

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