Japan Finds Large Regional Gaps In Rice Prices

The average price of rice sold at supermarkets varies significantly by region, with a 5-kilogram bag priced in the upper 3,000-yen range (around the upper $20 range) in northeastern Japan, compared to about 4,500 yen (roughly $31) in central and western Japan.

The national average price for 5 kg of rice sold from May 19 to 25, announced on June 2, was 4,260 yen (roughly $30) including tax. I Photo: Kyodo News

This was according to data compiled by the agriculture ministry, Hajime Nakatsugawa and Toru Watanabe reported for Mainichi Japan.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries released regional average prices on June 4 for 5 kg of rice sold at supermarkets between May 5 and May 25, dividing the country into 10 blocks.

The regional average prices were: 3,700-yen range in northeastern Japan's Tohoku; 3,700 to 3,899 yen in northernmost Hokkaido; 4,100-yen range in central Japan's Hokuriku; 4,100 to 4,299 yen in western Japan's Shikoku; 4,300 to 4,499 yen in north Kanto and the Tokyo metropolitan area, as well as southwestern Japan's Kyushu; 4,300 to 4,799 yen in western Japan's Chugoku; 4,400 to 4,599 yen in western Japan's Kinki; and 4,600 to 4,799 yen in central Japan's Tokai

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated during a party leaders’ debate on May 21, “Rice should be in the 3,000-yen range (per 5 kg),” marking the first time he presented a numerical price target.

Based on the regional averages, Hokkaido and Tohoku may have already reached the target price. The challenge now appears to be how to bring prices down in the remaining regions.

The agriculture ministry compiled the regional average rice prices using point-of-sale (POS) data from about 1,000 supermarkets nationwide, in the same manner as its weekly national average price announcements.

The national average price for 5 kg of rice sold from May 19 to 25, announced on June 2, was 4,260 yen (roughly $30) including tax.