ABSTRACT
The characteristics of the soybean market in Japan are explained, and desirable qualities of soybeans for different uses are defined. The Japanese soybean market may be said to be the most diversified market in the world, encompassing not only crushing but also various types of food for human consumption. In this sense the desirable qualities in terms of oil content and protein content and fatty acid and amino acid composition as seen from the Japanese standpoint may be e representative view of soybean consumers in the world. These desirable qualities are expected to suggest directions of soybean research in the future.
