This is it.

I've previously lived in Japan and there is always so much wrapping!

A large amount of packaging creates a perception of quality, as if a lot of care has been taken in the product, and culturally that sells well.

Kinda ironic as another thing you see everywhere in Japan is 'eco' this and 'green' that, they are very big on the perception of "saving the environment" and yet everything is covered in so much unnecessary plastic.

It's also a form of security. If its a small item a large plastic package makes it more difficult to shoplift, tamper, or use before purchasing. It also adds an additional level of protection during shipping.

Ok, I guess that's the answer then. :/

Ive always thought organic produce on a Styrofoam plate wrapped in plastic was a bit ironic

If it’s edible, plastic help with preserving the food a bit longer. If it’s wet or moist, the plastic will prevent the product from making a big mess.

You could use paper or cardboard too, and that would be good for the environment but bad for everything else. You could use metal or glass containers too, but that’s really expensive and inconvenient. Plastic is the most appealing option as far as manufacturing, shipping, storage and sales are concerned.

In order to change that, you would need to vote for politicians who make plastic more expensive for the companies.

I doubt that. For one, it's not just exported foods — similar types of packaging are used at least in Japan domestically.

For two, I'd presume that in either case, domestic and export, the retail packaging is shipped within a carton within a carton and then wrapped in cling foil and placed on a palette. Iow, the packaging shouldn't need to be hardier for export, because the outer layer(s) of corrugated cardboard and extra plastic should take any occurring damage.