214 Wheat Consumption in Japan and China. 



of the country, it is estimated that the average amount of 

 wheat annually consumed per inhabitant in Japan advanced 

 from o*39 bushel, or 23*2 lbs., in 1886-1890 to 0*45 bushel, or 

 26-8 lbs., in 1890-1895. Measured by the standards of the 

 principal wheat-consuming nations, this is an extremely low 

 average of consumption. In the United States the per capita 

 consumption of wheat for food alone is estimated to be about 

 4§ bushels per annum, and it is argued, therefore, that the 

 potential increase in the amount of wheat consumed by the 

 Japanese people is very great. Placing the present popula- 

 tion of Japan at 43.000,000, a rate of consumption per 

 inhabitant equal to that in the United States would make 

 the total wheat consumption of the kingdom reach above 

 200,000,000 bushels. With no increase in the present 

 production of the country this would necessitate an annual 

 importation of about 180,000.000 bushels. 



Although the Japanese may never become so thoroughly a 

 wheat-consuming nation as are the people of the United 

 States, there is evidence that this great bread grain is 

 steadily growing in their favour. At a time when other 

 important changes in the direction of a more modern standard 

 of civilisation are so rapidly taking place in Japanese customs 

 it is regarded as only natural that the food habits of the 

 people should be similarly affected, and the indications of 

 such a change are said to be unmistakable. 



Unfortunately there are no statistics available as to the 

 amount of wheat consumed by the Chinese people. In some 

 parts of the empire, and particularly in the northern districts,. 

 Avhere wheat is raised quite extensively, it is known to be an 

 important article of food. The amount produced, however,, 

 is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the population. 

 This is shown very clearly by the extent of the importations.. 

 In the steady growth of these importations there is an 

 indication that the consumption of wheat in China is 

 increasing. 



Now that Russia, Argentina, and other great wheat- 

 producing countries are competing so strongly for the 

 European market, the oriental countries of China and Japan 

 are held to be well worth the attention of the American wheat 

 grower. 



