This paper begins with details on the current level of Japanese investment in the Australian beef industry. The reasons for direct investment by Japanese firms in the Australian beef industry are investigated, as is the nature and extent of integration by these firms in the Japanese beef production and marketing chain. The results are shown to be consistent with foreign direct investment theory. Specifically, the desire to provide quality assurance through ownership of upstream production facilities and the potential to exploit a domestic marketing and distribution advantage provide the principal motivations for beef industry foreign direct investment by Japanese firms.