Rice, an essential part of Japanese cuisine, has been facing a steep price increase, leaving many households struggling to afford this beloved staple.
The Japanese government has responded by releasing a portion of its strategic rice reserves to alleviate the pressure on consumers.
The first batch of 150,000 tons of rice went on sale last month, with more expected to follow as part of an effort to stabilize the market.
Rice holds a central place in Japanese life, not only as a meal base but also in cultural and religious practices. From sushi to sweets and even alcohol, the grain plays a role in nearly every aspect of the country’s food culture.
This deep reliance on rice has made Japan highly vulnerable to disruptions in its supply, such as bad weather, heatwaves, and natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes.
Over the past few years, the price of rice has surged, with the cost of a 60-kilogram bag increasing by 55% compared to two years ago.
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The rise in prices has triggered panic-buying, especially among Japan’s 124 million residents. In response, the government decided to auction off 210,000 tons of rice from its emergency stockpile, which was built in 1995 after a poor harvest and expanded after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Agriculture Minister Taku Eto assured the public that the government’s release of rice would lead to a decrease in prices, addressing concerns over the tight supply.
However, some consumers have expressed hesitation, wary of the quality of the auctioned rice. In a country where rice is highly prized, many are reluctant to purchase older stocks, despite the lower prices.
For households like that of 69-year-old Emi Uchibori, the decision to buy auctioned rice is a matter of personal taste and necessity.
While some, like Yuko Takiguchi, are willing to wait for prices to fall further, the ongoing rise in staple food prices shows that the cost of living in Japan remains under strain.
