The Strategic initiative for a healthy and sustainable food environment in Japan

Abstract

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) launched the Strategic Initiative for a Healthy and Sustainable Food Environment in March 2022 as a platform to promote the creation of healthier food environments through collaboration among industry, academia, government, professional associations, and civil society. At the Tokyo Nutrition for Growth Summit 2021, the Japanese government committed to further advancing national nutrition policies under the principle of “leaving no one behind,” through multisectoral cooperation involving government, business, academia, professional associations, and civil society. Recognizing that the promotion of a healthy and sustainable food environment requires a multisectoral approach with nutrition at its core, the MHLW is implementing this Initiative in coordination with relevant ministries and agencies. The goal is to transform unhealthy dietary patterns—one of the major risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—by improving the food environment through cross-sectoral collaboration. In Japan, excessive sodium intake across all age groups continues to be a significant public health concern, making salt reduction a top national priority. Other pressing nutrition-related challenges include underweight among young women, nutritional disparities linked to economic conditions, and broader environmental issues. The Initiative promotes the development of a food environment where everyone can naturally make healthier choices—regardless of individual health awareness—through collaboration among key sectors. By advancing these efforts, the Initiative aims to extend healthy life expectancy and help realize a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable society, both in Japan and globally. In Health Japan 21 (Third phase), one of the key target indicators is full prefectural participation in this Initiative. To support the development of supportive food environments at the regional and local levels, a regional alliance has been established. Moving forward, it is expected that region-specific efforts will continue to be expanded and strengthened.