Japan’s rice prices have doubled since 2024 due to supply shortages from last year’s poor harvest and a major earthquake. As a cultural staple, rice scarcity has shocked consumers and policymakers. Despite high import tariffs limiting foreign rice, imports have surged to ease shortages. The government released emergency stockpiles, but prices remain high. Farm Minister Koizumi is pushing to release all stockpiles and increase imports to lower costs before upcoming elections.
Explainer-What’s behind the surge in Japan’s rice prices?
