Japan's Average Retail Rice Price Soars to Record High

In the week ending last Sunday, the average price of rice sold at about 1,000 supermarkets across Japan rose by ¥23 from the previous week to ¥4,335 per 5 kilograms — the highest level since the survey began in March 2022, recent data released by the ministry showed, Japan Times reported.

A separate survey covering about 1,200 supermarkets showed that the average price of rice reached ¥3,835, up ¥180. (Photo: Adam You Facebook) 

The price of “brand rice,” primarily newly harvested rice, climbed by ¥5 to ¥4,551.

The price of relatively inexpensive “blended rice” jumped ¥92 to ¥3,870, apparently after rice produced in 2025 began to be used more extensively for blended varieties.

Brand rice accounted for 68% of total rice sales in the reporting week.

A separate survey covering about 1,200 supermarkets showed that the average price of rice reached ¥3,835, up ¥180. Another survey of roughly 6,000 retail stores, including drugstores, recorded an increase of ¥92 to ¥4,315, reflecting higher prices across various retailers.