In this review, the current status and prospects of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) breeding in Japan are summarized. The varieties that have been registered in Japan so far are introduced with details regarding their breeding source populations and breeding methods. Because the main breeding method used for common buckwheat is mass selection, the merits and demerits of this method are explored from the perspective of heritability. Although there are many breeding objectives in common buckwheat, high yield and yield stability are discussed here. Regarding the potential of common buckwheat breeding in the future, the prospects of effective exploitation of self-fertility and selection based on genomic information are examined.