The seeds of wild and cultivated Camellia japonica were studied for their lipid contents and fatty acid composition. The seeds of wild and cultivated Camellia japonica contained 70.2% and 73.4% lipids, respectively. Fifteen fatty acids were identified in the lipids from the Camellia japonica seeds. In addition to confirming the 5 previously reported (16 : 0, 18 : 0, 18 : 1, 18 : 2 and 18 : 3), 10 more acids were characterized. The newly identified acids were 14 : 0, 16 : 1, 17 : 0, 20 : 0, 20 : 1, 20 : 2, 22 : 0, 22 : 1, 24 : 0 and 24 : 1. Both seeds lipids contained 18 : 1 in high levels (81. 6~82. 2%). Little difference in fatty acid composition was noted between the wild and cultivated Camellia japonica seed lipids. The fatty acid composition of commercial Camellia japonica oil was similar to those of the Camellia japonica seed lipids.