Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing popularity of Chinese cuisine, particularly dishes like 麻辣烫 (spicy hot pot), in Japan, highlighting how these foods have been embraced by Japanese consumers and transformed into high-end dining experiences [6][17][59]. Group 1: Popularity of Chinese Cuisine in Japan - Chinese flavors are increasingly surrounding Japanese dining tables, with 麻辣烫 being a standout dish that has gained significant traction [17][24]. - The average cost of a bowl of 麻辣烫 in Japan is around 2000 yen, approximately 95 RMB, which is enough to buy four bowls of cheap ramen [26]. - Initially, 麻辣烫 attracted mainly Chinese students, but now 90% of customers are Japanese [29]. Group 2: Cultural Integration and Dining Experience - Japanese consumers have developed a ritualistic approach to eating 麻辣烫, often waiting in line for one to two hours to enjoy the dish [30]. - The soup base of 麻辣烫 in Japan is considered a "十全大补汤" (tonic soup), made with over 20 spices, which appeals to local tastes [34][38]. - The dish has become a preferred choice for gatherings among young Japanese, allowing them to customize their meals without accommodating others [42]. Group 3: Transformation of Chinese Dishes - 麻辣烫 has evolved into a high-end dining option in Japan, with celebrities endorsing it and pairing it with beverages like 康师傅蜜桃乌龙茶 [52][54]. - The article notes that 麻婆豆腐, another Chinese dish, has been popular in Japan for over half a century, showcasing the long-standing influence of Chinese cuisine [62][71]. - The adaptation of Chinese dishes in Japan often involves modifications to suit local palates, such as the sweet and salty version of 麻婆豆腐 created by chef 陈建民 [74]. Group 4: Industrialization of Chinese Cuisine - The rapid growth of Chinese cuisine in Japan is supported by the industrialization of the food supply chain, with companies providing pre-packaged ingredients for dishes like 麻辣烫 [99][100]. - Chinese pre-packaged foods are gaining acceptance in Japan, with a significant portion of the market relying on imports from China, particularly for seafood products [112][115]. - The article emphasizes that the success of Chinese cuisine abroad is not just about flavor but also about the efficiency and standardization of the food supply chain [119][120].

Core Insights - The consumption of prepared dishes, particularly flavored crayfish, is a prevalent trend among Japanese consumers, facilitated by freezing and vacuum packaging methods [1][3] - The market for prepared Chinese cuisine in Japan is expanding, driven by increasing consumer interest in Chinese dishes and the introduction of various products [3] Industry Overview - The prepared crayfish market in Japan includes products such as spicy, garlic, and thirteen-spice flavored crayfish, which are sold as frozen foods [1] - The Japanese frozen food market is projected to reach a record high of 1.3 trillion yen (approximately 62.5 billion RMB) in 2024, indicating significant growth [3] - In 2022, the per capita consumption of prepared foods in Japan was 23.2 kilograms, compared to 9.1 kilograms in China, 16.1 kilograms in the United States, and 16.8 kilograms in the United Kingdom [3] Company Activities - A company led by Wang Hongxin exports approximately 150 tons of prepared crayfish annually to Japan, including various products like clear water shrimp and shrimp meat [3] - The company has expanded its customer base from primarily Chinese grocery stores to include Japanese supermarkets, reflecting a growing acceptance of Chinese cuisine in Japan [3] - The introduction of other prepared products, such as shrimp dumplings and seasoned fish, is part of the company's strategy to diversify offerings in the Japanese market [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the paradox of the booming crayfish industry in China, where prices have plummeted despite a surge in demand, leading to significant challenges for farmers and restaurants [4][10][12]. Price Trends - Crayfish prices have seen a drastic decline, with wholesale prices dropping from approximately 30 yuan per jin to around 13 yuan per jin, representing nearly a 57% decrease [4]. - In Hubei, a major crayfish production area, prices for certain sizes have fallen from 20 yuan per jin to 11 yuan per jin, indicating a significant market downturn [6]. Demand and Sales Growth - Despite falling prices, demand for crayfish has surged, with e-commerce platforms reporting a 606% increase in sales of live crayfish and a 78% increase in crayfish seasoning products over the past month [9]. Industry Dynamics - The crayfish industry has seen a decline in the number of registered companies, with a 5.2% year-on-year decrease in registrations and a 3.2% decrease in the total number of related enterprises as of September 2024 [10]. - The industry has not produced a dominant player despite its large scale and mature supply chain, primarily due to intense competition and low entry barriers [11]. Seasonal Consumption Patterns - The crayfish market is characterized by significant seasonal fluctuations, with a common saying in the industry indicating that profits are made in four months, while the remaining months are either break-even or loss [26]. Supply Chain Challenges - The crayfish supply chain is fragmented and lacks standardization, leading to inconsistencies in quality and size, which complicates restaurant operations and brand expansion [28]. - High transportation losses, estimated at 20%-30%, further exacerbate the challenges faced by the industry [30]. Competition from Pre-prepared Foods - The rise of pre-prepared crayfish products poses a significant threat to traditional live crayfish restaurants, as these products can be cooked and packaged near production sites, reducing costs and extending shelf life [35][37]. - The entry of large brands into the pre-prepared food market is intensifying competition, forcing traditional restaurants to engage in price wars, which may lead to a decline in quality and customer satisfaction [35][40].

Core Viewpoint - The price of crayfish has experienced a dramatic decline, with wholesale prices dropping significantly from their initial levels, despite a surge in demand for crayfish products [2][4][6]. Group 1: Price Decline - The wholesale price of crayfish has fallen from approximately 30 yuan per jin to around 13 yuan per jin, with medium-sized crayfish dropping from 40 yuan to about 17 yuan, and large crayfish from 58 yuan to around 32 yuan [2]. - In Hubei's Qianjiang, the price of small crayfish has plummeted to around 10 yuan, while medium-sized crayfish are priced between 12-14 yuan [4]. - Despite the price drop, the demand for fresh crayfish has surged, with sales increasing by 606% on e-commerce platforms [6]. Group 2: Industry Overview - The crayfish industry has seen a decline in the number of registered companies, with a 5.2% decrease year-on-year, totaling 1,442 registered companies as of September 2024 [6]. - The total number of crayfish-related enterprises has decreased by 3.2% year-on-year, with 17,900 companies currently in operation [6]. - The crayfish industry has not produced a dominant player despite its large market size, primarily due to low entry barriers leading to intense competition [6]. Group 3: Supply and Demand Imbalance - The crayfish farming area reached 28 million mu in 2022, with production hitting 289.07 million tons, a 9.76% increase from 2021 [19]. - By 2023, the farming area surpassed 29 million mu, with annual production reaching 3 million tons [19]. - The oversupply during peak seasons has led to downward pressure on prices, despite high consumer prices in first-tier cities [19][21]. Group 4: Challenges in Standardization - The crayfish industry lacks high levels of organization and standardization, with varying farming methods leading to inconsistent quality [23]. - The high loss rate during transportation and storage, estimated at 20%-30%, further complicates the industry's operational challenges [25]. - Fixed costs such as rent and labor remain high, putting significant pressure on crayfish restaurant operators [25]. Group 5: Competition from Pre-prepared Foods - The emergence of pre-prepared crayfish products has intensified competition for traditional crayfish restaurants [28]. - Pre-prepared crayfish can be cooked and packaged near production sites, reducing costs and extending the product's shelf life [28]. - While traditional live crayfish restaurants still dominate the market, the trend towards pre-prepared options may reshape the industry landscape [29].