Researchers from Hirosaki University and The University of Tokyo conducted an international survey on public perception of cultivated meat, targeting 4,416 individuals aged 20 to 59 from Japan, Singapore, Australia, Denmark, and Italy.

The survey found significant regional differences in attitudes towardcultivated meat. In Singapore and Italy, many respondents agreed that cultivated meat could help address environmental issues, and over 50% of respondents in all surveyed countries, including Japan, expressed a willingness to try cultivated meat under the right conditions.

Background and Purpose of the Survey

As global meat consumption is expected to rise due to population growth and lifestyle changes, the environmental burden of livestock production, along with shortages of feed and land, pose significant challenges. Cultivated meat, produced through cell cultivation rather than traditional animal farming, offers potential benefits, such as reduced environmental impact, less land use, and stringent hygiene controls. As a new and innovative food production method, the acceptance of cultivated meat by society remains uncertain but is gaining global attention. The research aimed to identify the unique perceptions of Japanese respondents compared to those from other countries.

Key Findings

● In Japan, 46% of respondents agreed that cultivated meat could help solve global food crises, a similar level of support as in Singapore, a leading proponent of cultivated meat.

● The percentage of respondents willing to try cultivated meat was just over 30% in Japan, compared to 60% in Singapore and over 50% in Italy, which has adopted anti-cultivated meat legislation. This highlights a gap in acceptance between Japan and other countries.

● In Singapore and Italy, a significant number of respondents believed that cultivated meat could mitigate climate change (54% and 61%, respectively), compared to 32% in Japan.

● Concerns over the impact of cultivated meat on traditional food cultures were notable in Italy, where pride in national cuisine was high. Despite these concerns, Italy also showed relatively high acceptance of cultivated meat.

● Safety was another concern, but when safety was assured, 50% of Japanese respondents expressed a willingness to try cultivated meat.

The survey highlights the growing global interest in cultivated meat, with regional variations in perception. In Japan, enhancing public awareness, ensuring safety, and fostering discussions on the role ofcultivated meat in addressing food issues and its integration into traditional food cultures may improve acceptance.

Source：「培養肉」に関する意識の国際調査を実施 ～「培養肉」への関心に各国の意識の差～

Courtesy:Hirosaki University and The University of Tokyo