This paper summarizes the development course, development characteristics and management experience of functional food in Japan, puts forward the enlightenment to the development of Chinese medicinal food industry. It points out that the government departments in charge should clarify the management responsibility and strengthen the market supervision. Meanwhile, the enterprises need to enhance scientific and technological innovation, absorb the excellent Chinese medicine culture, so as to explore the product essence of the homologous products of medicine and food, and strive to develop new products.