Japan’s Average Rice Price Hits Record High

Japan’s average rice price reached a new record high since the government began collecting data in March 2022, following a brief decline, the Japan Times reported.

“Brand rice,” primarily newly harvested rice, increased ¥21 to ¥4,516. (Photo: KCC Mall of Gensan Facebook)

In the week ending last Sunday, the average price of rice sold at roughly 1,000 supermarkets across the country rose ¥93 from the previous week to ¥4,416 per 5 kilograms, according to the agriculture ministry. In the prior week, the average had fallen ¥14 to ¥4,323.

“Brand rice,” primarily newly harvested rice, increased ¥21 to ¥4,516, accounting for 74% of total sales, up 2 percentage points. Cheaper blended rice rose ¥261, though its share of sales dropped to 26%.

A separate survey of about 1,200 supermarkets indicated an average price increase of ¥291 to ¥4,176.