AgricultureHearings with farmers and government officials to begin next monthJapan bans imports of most fresh potatoes due to risk of harmful pests and microbes. (Photo by Nanami Sato)HAJIME TSUKADAAugust 29, 2026 01:31 JSTTOKYO -- Japan will be at risk of 21 pests and diseases if fresh potatoes from the U.S. are allowed to be freely imported, the Japanese government said Friday.Read NextTradeJapan ruling party weighs lifting US potato ban as trade bargaining chipTradeJapan's farmer-backed ruling party to support trade talks with MercosurFood & BeverageJapan to bolster IP protections for prized new fruit, vegetable varietiesAgricultureJapan rice glut sends prices tumbling 40%, below production costAgricultureChina's high-rise pig farming leads to pork glut, falling pricesFood & BeverageJapan eel prices down sharply, but unagi smuggling concerns lingerAgricultureTop-grade A5 wagyu accounts for over 75% of Japan's market, driving exportsLatest on AgricultureAgricultureJapan's Kubota to boost exports from India, seeks price edge in Europe, USAgricultureJapan rice glut sends prices tumbling 40%, below production costAgricultureThai rice, Indian sugarcane show signs of early El Nino impact