This article discusses the history of food regulations in Japan and provides an overview of the various foods that are banned from importation, sale, or consumption within its borders due to safety concerns or cultural taboos. Examples of such foods include beef and pork products from countries affected by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) or Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), raw milk cheese, certain types of fish such as eels, and all genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Additionally, there are also restrictions on certain ingredients used in food production as well as unusual bans on whale meat, horse meat, and live seafood.