Japan’s food waste falls to lowest on record in fiscal 2024

Japan's household and business food waste fell to 4.61 million tons in fiscal year 2024, the lowest level since records began in 2012. The total decreased by 30,000 tons compared to the previous year, marking the third consecutive annual decline.

Food waste from households dropped from 2.33 million tons to 2.24 million tons, continuing a steady decline since 2017. The amount of unopened food thrown away also decreased to 960,000 tons.

However, food waste from businesses increased slightly to 2.37 million tons, mainly because more people returned to restaurants after the COVID-19 pandemic. Food manufacturers and restaurants both reported higher amounts of discarded food.

The Japanese government aims to reduce food waste further by 2030, targeting 2.19 million tons for businesses and 2.16 million tons for households.

To help achieve this goal, the government launched a food bank certification program in April. Officials believe encouraging food donations will reduce waste from businesses and provide food to people in need.

Edited using generative AI tools. 
Source https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/06/30/japan/japan-food-waste-record-low/

Comprehension

What was Japan's total food waste in fiscal year 2024?
Which group reduced its food waste: households or businesses?
Why did business food waste increase in 2024?
What are the government's food waste reduction goals for 2030?
How can the new food bank certification program help reduce food waste?

Discussion

Why is reducing food waste important?
What kinds of food do people usually waste at home?
How can families reduce food waste?
Why do restaurants sometimes throw away food?
Have you ever donated food to a food bank?
What should governments do to reduce food waste?
Do you think supermarkets should donate unsold food instead of throwing it away? Why?
What habits can you start to waste less food?

Vocabulary

waste – to throw away something that could still be used
household – the people living together in one home
discard – to throw something away
decrease – to become less or smaller
consecutive – happening one after another without interruption
certify – to officially approve or recognize
donation – something given to help others without payment
goal – something you want to achieve in the future