The production of mushrooms has been increasing in recent years, due to the people's increase in living standards. Consequently, there have been great changes in the production and distribution of the dried shiitake mushroom in Japan, and it is important to understand why. In this study, the distribution and consumption of the dried shiitake mushroom was analyzed on an actual basis. The results are as follows: 1. Because of the low price of imported shiitake, there has been an increase in quantities of up to 20% of the domestic consumption. These imported mushrooms are being distributed on the open market, causing anxiety and skepticism among farmers growing shiitake in Japan. 2. There are 35 open markets in Japan. This number is too large for systematically dealing with dried shiitake, thereby dispersing the products. Such small and numerous distribution pipes have made the wholesale system unstable. 3. Due to the decrease of circulating quantities and a hovering price level, the market management as a whole has been aggravated. 4. Imported quantities are exepected to increase in the future due to advantageous prices and stable supplies, although they are lower in quality compared with the domestic products. 5. The consumption distribution of quantities has revealed a decrease in home use, the same level for gift use and a great increase in the commercial use.