Japan Genome Editing Market (2025 - 2033) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (CRISPR/Cas9), By Delivery Method (Ex Vivo), By Application (Genetic Engineering, Clinical Applications), By Mode (Contract, In-house), By End Use, And Segment Forecasts

Japan Genome Editing Market Size & Trends

The Japan genome editing market size was estimated at USD 323.1 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1450 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 17.97% from 2025 to 2033, driven by increasing investments in biotechnology research, expanding applications in therapeutics and agriculture, and supportive government initiatives promoting advanced genetic technologies. As demand rises for personalized medicine, gene therapies, and precision agriculture, Japanese companies and research institutions are actively adopting innovative genome editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas systems to enhance efficiency and accuracy. For instance, in March 2025, researchers in Japan developed a genome editing method using CRISPR-Cas9 to partially inhibit gene function, enabling precision breeding and improved crop resilience without fully deactivating essential genes. 

Rising Demand for Personalized and Precision Medicine

Japan’s genome editing market is significantly driven by the rising demand for personalized and precision medicine, particularly in response to the country’s rapidly aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic and rare genetic diseases. As conventional one-size-fits-all treatments prove insufficient for complex conditions such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and inherited disorders, there is a growing need for targeted medical solutions that address the underlying genetic causes. Genome editing technologies, especially CRISPR-Cas9 and TALENs, have emerged as transformative tools in this space, enabling precise modifications of DNA sequences to either correct faulty genes or enhance the body’s natural defense mechanisms.

These advancements have opened new frontiers in developing patient-specific therapies, such as gene-corrected stem cell treatments and genetically modified immune cells such as CAR-T cells, which have shown promising results in treating hematologic cancers. In Japan’s advanced healthcare ecosystem, where technological innovation is highly valued, and healthcare infrastructure is well-developed, there is a strong institutional and clinical push to integrate genome editing into the therapeutic pipeline. The growing emphasis on precision medicine by public health agencies and pharmaceutical companies further accelerates demand for genome editing tools, positioning them as central components in the next generation of medical treatments.

Advances in Biotechnology and R&D

Advances in biotechnology and R&D are central drivers of the growing demand in Japan’s genome editing market. Japan has a robust ecosystem of research institutions, biotech companies, and government support focused on cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR, fueling rapid advancements in both medical and agricultural applications. With world-class research hubs such as Kyoto University and RIKEN, the country is leading in gene therapy for genetic diseases and developing genome-edited crops to improve food security and agricultural sustainability. For instance, in June 2025, researchers from Mie University, Japan, successfully utilized CRISPR-Cas9 to remove the extra chromosome in Down syndrome cells, restoring normal cell function. This breakthrough could reshape genetic therapies worldwide. 

Government initiatives and a supportive regulatory environment are crucial in fostering demand. Japan’s national strategy on biotechnology includes significant funding for genomic research and development, making it a key priority in healthcare and agriculture. The country’s progressive stance on genome-edited crops, coupled with increasing clinical trials exploring gene therapies, has created a fertile market for genome editing technologies. As the sector expands, Japan is well-positioned to become a global leader in genome editing, driving both domestic growth and international market demand.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

Japan’s genome editing industry is characterized by a high degree of innovation driven by cutting-edge medical and agricultural biotechnology advancements. The country is at the forefront of developing gene therapies for genetic disorders using tools such as CRISPR-Cas9. It is also pioneering genome-edited crops with enhanced traits like disease resistance and improved nutritional content. For instance, in March 2021, Japan launched the world’s first genome-edited tomato, developed by Sanatech Seed. The Sicilian Rouge High GABA tomato, created using CRISPR-Cas9, contains significantly higher levels of GABA, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and lowers blood pressure. This product will not be regulated as a genetically modified organism in Japan. The tomato was chosen for its high consumer acceptance, as the Sicilian Rouge variety is well-known, and many consumers already purchase GABA-enriched products. The release marks a significant milestone in Japan’s genome-editing policy, encouraging innovation in plant breeding for sustainable food systems. Japan’s strong research ecosystem supports this innovation, including leading universities and biotech companies, as well as proactive government policies encouraging public-private collaborations and funding for genomic R&D.

The level of M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) activity in Japan's genome editing market has been notably high, reflecting both the growing potential of the sector and its strategic importance for biotech and pharmaceutical companies. The need for technological advancements, market expansion, and access to intellectual property drives this activity. Japanese companies, such as Takeda Pharmaceutical and Astellas Pharma, have been actively acquiring smaller biotech firms or forming partnerships to integrate cutting-edge genome editing technologies such as CRISPR and gene therapy platforms into their portfolios. These deals allow larger firms to enhance their R&D pipelines and accelerate the commercialization of new treatments for genetic disorders, cancer, and other complex diseases. For instance, in January 2025, JCR Pharmaceuticals and Modalis Therapeutics announced a transition to the next phase of their joint research agreement focused on developing a novel gene therapy for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. After validating their initial proof of concept, the partnership will conduct pre-clinical studies utilizing JCR's proprietary J-Brain Cargo technology for blood-brain barrier penetration and Modalis' CRISPR-GNDM epigenome modulation platform. Overall, the level of M&A activity in Japan's genome editing market is high, reflecting the race to secure cutting-edge technologies, strengthen R&D capabilities, and gain a competitive edge in medical and agricultural biotech.

Regulations play a crucial role in shaping Japan's genome editing market, striking a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring safety. In agriculture, Japan's relatively flexible regulations for genome-edited crops that don't contain foreign DNA have enabled faster commercialization of products with enhanced traits like disease resistance and improved nutrition. In healthcare, laws are more stringent, but the government has established clear frameworks for approving gene therapies, allowing for the structured yet cautious development of new treatments. Ethical concerns, especially around human germline editing, are tightly regulated, ensuring Japan maintains a careful approach to such applications. Overall, Japan's regulatory environment supports genome editing growth while maintaining high safety and ethics standards.

Product expansion in Japan’s genome editing market is accelerating across healthcare and agriculture. In healthcare, gene therapies are rapidly advancing, with companies developing treatments for genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy and personalized medicine tailored to individual genetic profiles. Agriculture focuses on genome-edited crops with improved traits like disease resistance and enhanced nutritional content, like GABA-enriched tomatoes and disease-resistant rice. Moreover, there is growing interest in editing livestock and developing bio-based materials, which broadens the range of products emerging from genome editing innovations. For instance, in January 2022, Japan approved three genome-edited food products for commercial sale, marking a significant advancement in agricultural technology. These include genome-edited fish, the Madai red sea bream, edited for increased muscle growth, and the 22-seiki fugu tiger pufferfish, modified for faster growth and higher weight. This expansion highlights the transformative potential of genome editing in addressing global health and food security challenges.

Product Insights

The CRISPR/Cas9 segment is set to dominate Japan's genome editing market, holding the largest market share of 44.14% in 2024. Its widespread adoption is driven by its precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, making it the leading tool for gene editing in healthcare and agriculture. CRISPR is revolutionizing the development of gene therapies for genetic disorders, while in agriculture, it enables the creation of crops with enhanced traits like disease resistance and improved nutritional value. For instance, in March 2024, Ricoh entered a non-exclusive licensing agreement with ERS Genomics for CRISPR/Cas9 patents in the US and Japan, further deriving the market expansion.

The Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFN) segment is expected to register a significant CAGR of 17.51% over the forecast period, driven by several key factors. ZFNs have shown promise in creating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with more precise modifications, particularly in sectors where regulatory approval for more conventional GMO techniques is challenging. For instance, in May 2024, researchers from Hiroshima University and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology improved zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) technology using AlphaFold, Coot, and Rosetta. Their method enhanced ZFN construction and editing efficiency by 5%, advancing genome editing for clinical applications and genetic disorder treatments. The growing demand for accurate, safe, and effective gene-editing tools, along with continued advancements in ZFN-based technologies and increasing research and development investments, are driving this rapid growth.

Delivery Method Insights

The in-vivo segment held the largest revenue market share in 2024, driven by its key role in developing gene therapies and clinical applications. The in-vivo approach is particularly appealing in personalized medicine, where treatments can be tailored to individual genetic profiles, improving efficacy and reducing side effects. Moreover, advancements in delivery methods, such as viral vectors or nanoparticles, have made in-vivo genome editing more precise and efficient, further driving its adoption in clinical settings. The growing number of clinical trials using in-vivo editing technologies and the increasing focus on gene therapies in the Japanese healthcare sector contributes to its leading market share, making it a critical segment in the genome editing industry.

The ex-vivo segment is expected to expand at a significant CAGR during the forecast period due to its promising applications in gene therapies, particularly for cell-based treatments and genetic disorders. In ex-vivo editing, cells are edited outside the body and reintroduced into the patient. This offers several advantages, including precise control over the editing process and reduced risk of off-target effects. The growing interest in immunotherapy and cancer treatments also drives the expansion of ex-vivo applications, particularly in developing CAR-T cell therapies (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) for cancer immunotherapy. Moreover, the increasing success of clinical trials and the growing investment in research and development further propel the demand for ex-vivo genome editing technologies, making it a key growth area in the market.

Application Insights

The genetic engineering segment held the largest revenue market share in 2024, driven by its broad applications in healthcare and agriculture and advancements in genome editing technologies like CRISPR and ZFN. Genetic engineering is driving innovations in personalized medicine, where therapies are tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup, improving the precision and effectiveness of treatments. In agriculture, genetic engineering enables the creation of genetically modified crops with improved traits such as disease resistance, enhanced nutritional content, and environmental resilience, which are essential for addressing global food security challenges. The increasing focus on biopharmaceuticals, genetically engineered organisms (GEOs), and advanced crop biotechnology further strengthens the dominance of the genetic engineering segment, positioning it as the leader in the genome editing market.

The clinical applications segment is expected to grow significantly from 2025 to 2033, driven by the rapid advancement and increasing adoption of gene therapies and genomic treatments for various genetic and chronic diseases. As more clinical trials demonstrate the efficacy of these treatments, particularly in personalized medicine, demand for gene therapies is surging. Moreover, advancements in in-vivo and ex-vivo gene editing techniques are improving the precision and safety of treatments, contributing to the rapid growth of clinical applications. For instance, in September 2023, researchers from Osaka University introduced NICER, a safer gene-editing technique. By creating multiple single-strand breaks, NICER reduces unintended mutations, offering a safer alternative to CRISPR/Cas9. The increasing investment in research and the successful commercialization of gene-editing-based therapies in clinical settings are key factors driving the largest revenue share in this segment.

Mode Insights

The contract segment dominated the genome editing industry in 2024, driven by the increasing reliance on contract research organizations (CROs) and contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) for outsourced R&D, clinical trials, and biomanufacturing. As genome editing technologies like CRISPR and ZFN evolve, biotech companies and pharmaceutical firms are leveraging the expertise and infrastructure of contract service providers to accelerate product development, reduce costs, and minimize risks. For instance, in January 2025, Sumitomo Corporation signed an exclusive distributorship agreement with Huvepharma to supply algae-derived DHA in Japan. This partnership aims to provide a safe, sustainable alternative to fish-derived DHA, addressing concerns like heavy metals and overfishing. This outsourcing trend allows companies to focus on their core capabilities while benefiting from specialized knowledge in gene editing, regulatory compliance, and scalable manufacturing, making the contract segment a key driver of growth and innovation in the genome editing industry. 

The in-house segment is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period, driven by the increasing need for greater control over genome editing technologies' research, development, and commercialization. An in-house approach allows these companies to retain full control over critical aspects such as intellectual property, data security, and quality assurance, which are crucial in the highly competitive and regulated biotech industry. Moreover, the growing demand for personalized medicine and precision therapies encourages companies to develop in-house tailored solutions rather than outsourcing. This shift toward internal capabilities is also driven by the desire to accelerate the commercialization of genome-edited products, giving companies more flexibility and speed in bringing innovative therapies to market.

End Use Insights

The biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies segment dominated Japan's genome editing technology industry in 2024, holding the largest market share of 49.66%, driven by the growing demand for innovative gene therapies and genetically modified products. The increasing focus on biopharmaceuticals and Japan's strong research infrastructure and government support for biotechnology have positioned pharmaceutical and biotech firms as the primary drivers of innovation and market expansion in genome editing. For instance, in November 2024, Sohm, Inc. secured a pivotal gene-editing patent in Japan, enhancing its biotech position and advancing genomic medicine with more precise, efficient genetic modifications.

Academic and government research institutes are expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 20.15% over the forecast period, driven by the increasing focus on fundamental research, scientific innovation, and collaborative partnerships in genome editing. With substantial government funding and growing international collaboration, academic and research institutions in Japan are accelerating their efforts in gene therapy development, crop improvement, and biomedical applications. The rising emphasis on precision medicine and genetic research further enhances their contributions to the industry, creating a pipeline of novel treatments and technologies to drive future growth. As these institutions continue to push the boundaries of scientific discovery, their expanding role in the genome editing market is expected to contribute significantly to the sector's evolution.

Key Japan Genome Editing Company Insights

The Japan genome editing market is significantly influenced by key players renowned for technological innovation, extensive product portfolios, and a strong presence in the biotechnology and healthcare industries. Prominent companies like Fujifilm Corp., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, and Astellas Pharma Inc. have solidified their roles as leaders in genome editing technologies, particularly in applications such as gene therapy, genetically modified crops, and biopharmaceutical production. These companies have been at the forefront of adopting and commercializing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 and Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFN), catering to clinical and agricultural needs. Their products are widely utilized in biomanufacturing, genetic research, and precision medicine due to their high reliability, scalability, and compliance with Japanese regulatory standards.

These leading companies consistently invest in R&D and product development, focusing on improving the precision of genome editing technologies and expanding their therapeutic applications. In particular, companies are integrating genome editing with personalized medicine, enhancing the efficacy of treatments for genetic disorders, cancer, and rare diseases. Moreover, Japan's strong commitment to regulatory compliance and ethical standards has spurred further innovation in safe, efficient, and affordable solutions for both medical and agricultural sectors.

Other key players such as Riken and Kyoto University contribute significantly to the market by pushing the boundaries of basic research and early-stage gene-editing therapies, collaborating with biotech startups and pharmaceutical giants to advance groundbreaking research. Their expertise in genome-editing techniques ensures high-quality gene therapies and innovations that align with Japan's growing biotech sector.

The market is also witnessing increasing strategic partnerships, public-private collaborations, and joint ventures as companies look to enhance their genomic editing capabilities and tap into global markets. The rising demand for single-use systems, biological drug production, and agricultural biotechnology is driving the development of customized genome editing solutions. As the demand for flexible, scalable gene therapies and genetically modified crops increases, these companies are critical in ensuring a reliable and innovative supply chain within Japan's expanding genome editing industry.

Recent Developments

• In March 2025, GenScript Biotech Corp. finalized a licensing agreement with the U.S.-based Broad Institute, securing access to its Prime Editing technology to enhance commercial gene-editing capabilities.

• In January 2025, Takara Bio USA Holdings, Inc. completed the acquisition of California‑based Curio Bioscience, integrating its Trekker and Seeker spatial‑biology platforms into its U.S. single‑cell omics portfolio.

• In March 2023, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Arsenal Biosciences collaborated in the U.S. to advance clinical-scale manufacturing processes for programmable autologous CAR‑T cell therapies targeting platinum‑resistant ovarian cancer.

Japan Genome Editing Market Report Scope

Japan Genome Editing Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth and provides an analysis on the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For the purpose of this report, Grand View Research has segmented the Japan genome editing market on the basis of technology, delivery method, application, mode and end use:

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • (CRISPR)/Cas9

  • TALENs/MegaTALs

  • ZFN

  • Meganucleases

  • Others

• Delivery Method Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Ex-vivo

  • In-vivo

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Genetic Engineering

    • Cell line engineering

    • Animal genetic engineering

    • Plant genetic engineering

    • Others

  • Clinical Applications

    • Diagnostics Development

    • Therapy Development

• Mode Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Contract

  • In-house

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies

  • Academic and government research institutes

  • Contract research organizations