Objectives : In this report, we were studied the current status and future about cultivation of medicinal plants in Japan. Methods : To analysis the management and production of medicinal crops in Japan, variation of importation and cultivation of four medicinal crops such as Angelica acutiloba Kitagawa, Cnidium officinale Makino, Paeonia lactiflora Pallas and Rehmannia glutinosa Liboschitz var. purpurea Makino within 22 years ($1981{sim}2002$) were investigated. Also we analyzed the herbal drug market in Japan using literature. Results : In the results, cultivated area and amount of Angelica acutiloba Kitagawa and Paeonia lactiflora Pallas reduced more than 50% within 22 years ($1981{sim}2002$). Production decrease of medicinal crops is alloting through contract production in China. The cultivation of Rehmannia glutinosa Liboschitz var. purpurea Makino is enforcing minimum procluction for seed security. Conclusion : We hope that this report stimulates research to investigate for the establishment of cultural practices in Korea.