Japan's Rice Policies Put To The Test As Retailers, Farmers Struggle

Some retailers are perplexed by continued rice shortages in Japan despite the release of government stockpiles, while farmers are also expressing discontent with policies prioritizing affordability.

Following Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Shinjiro Koizumi’s announcement that rice would be available at “around 2,000 yen (about $14) per 5 kilograms in stores,” people lined up nationwide to purchase the staple. I Photo: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of JAPAN Facebook

An expert has urged the public to consider the issue when voting in the upcoming House of Councillors election this summer, Masanori Hirakawa reported for Mainichi Japan.

As rice prices continue to soar, the sale of government stockpiled rice through negotiated contracts has begun in the Kanto region, including Tokyo.

Following Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Shinjiro Koizumi’s announcement that rice would be available at “around 2,000 yen (about $14) per 5 kilograms in stores,” people lined up nationwide to purchase the staple.

While consumer expectations for cheaper rice are high, the overall impact on rice prices remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, farmers are expressing confusion, saying consumers are solely focused on low prices. What lies ahead for rice price measures that prioritize “urgency” and “affordability”?

“We can’t get enough brown rice. I never imagined it would come to this,” said Yukihiro Nishijima, 37, the second-generation owner of the Meinohama Kotabe Beikokuten rice store in Fukuoka’s Nishi Ward, looking bewildered.

The store is struggling to secure enough brown rice and has posted a notice stating, “We are not accepting new customers.” Distribution disruptions began with the 2023 rice harvest.

The wholesaler Nishijima had relied on began to slow shipments, and other wholesalers started asking, “How much can you offer?” The high purchase prices and reduced transaction volumes have made it difficult to turn a profit.

“Even if they promote it as costing only 2,000 yen, it’s old rice. Prices for new rice won’t drop,” said Nishijima, who plans to secure the next harvest directly from farmers.