This article first appeared in the Pearl Report 2024-2025.

Ensuring longevity and sustainable growth in the Japanese pearl sector hinges upon modernising pearl farming techniques and marketing strategies. Such initiatives, in turn, can further raise the profile of Japanese Akoya pearls globally.

From 2024, Japan will implement the findings of a 10-year genomic research on Akoya pearl oysters. This will be instrumental in growing healthier oysters and finer-quality pearls as well as promoting sustainable pearl farming.

Led by the Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association (JPEA), Japan is also hosting pearl farm tours where visitors can immerse themselves in the pearl’s fascinating journey and witness firsthand Japan’s pearl-growing expertise.

George Kakuda, president of JPEA, said the Japanese Akoya pearl’s inherent splendour is at the centre of these multipronged strategies.

Market conditions

A limited labour force, however, is likely to affect supply of the beauteous white pearl, coveted for its near-perfect round shape and mesmerising lustre.

“Production volume of Japanese Akoya pearls will likely remain low,” shared Kakuda. “The quantity of pearls to be distributed in the market will be kept very small over the next two to three years, but we will ensure that these pearls will be of finer quality. That will be the main differentiator.”

Tight supply is likewise expected to make Japanese Akoya pearls more desirable in the international trade.

Japanese pearl companies also deal in South Sea and Tahitian pearls, and demand for these products is also stable, said Kakuda.

Business in 2023 and in the first half of 2024 was mainly driven by Asian buyers who are on the lookout for mid-range decent-quality pearls. In fact, 40 per cent to 50 per cent of sales were generated from Asia, led by China, at international jewellery shows in Hong Kong and Japan.

India is also a solid pearl market for Japanese companies. Most recently, the Philippines and Vietnam have been placing increasingly larger orders, demonstrating a growing affinity for pearl jewellery in Southeast Asia.

Prices were on the uptick as well, having risen by 30 per cent over the last three years on the back of strong demand from Asian markets. The pearl price scenario is about to change, though. “We anticipate an eventual price correction,” noted Kakuda. “In reality, this bodes well for the industry since this presents an opportunity for other markets such as the US and Europe to start buying pearls again. This is already happening on some level.”

Better pearls

With other markets returning to the fold, JPEA is preparing to offer added value to buyers of Japanese Akoya pearls: Sustainability and unparalleled quality.

Ten years ago, the Japanese pearl industry initiated a study aiming to decode the genome of the Akoya pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata). Genome refers to all-encompassing genetic information necessary to form the oyster. Kakuda explained that complete genomic data can be used to influence pearl formation and sustainably farm pearls. Findings from the study revealed that genetic diversity fosters healthier, more robust pearl oysters.

Specifically, high heterogeneity provides oysters with stronger immunity to pathogens. In the same vein, inbreeding results in the oysters having weaker defences and lower resistance to infections.

The genomic analysis will allow pearl farmers to quantitatively assess the degree of inbreeding and genetic variety in pearl oysters. Utilising this genomic information when selecting parents for breeding can promote genetic diversity and improve production efficiency and stability of pearl yields. “This is important because inbreeding within the same Akoya pearl oyster family has been ongoing for many years and the oysters are showing a few inferior characteristics,” noted Kakuda. “After years of research, we have all the genetic information that we need to make this happen. Project implementation is starting in 2024.”

JPEA is also spearheading tourist visits to Japanese pearl farms to highlight the exceptional characteristics of pearls that set them apart from diamonds and coloured gemstones. Kakuda hopes the initiative will appeal strongly to overseas consumers.

“We want to show them how the Japanese Akoya pearl is grown in the pristine waters of Japan while shining the spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between man and nature,” he added.

This is critical to JPEA’s goal to further strengthen promotional and marketing strategies to better resonate with the international market, noted Kakuda.