Record Rice Imports Surge Amid Japan's Supply Crisis

Japan is currently facing a severe rice crisis characterized by soaring prices and supply shortages, prompting the government to auction off emergency rice stockpiles for the first time. Despite the release of stockpiled rice, prices have continued to rise, with the average cost per five kilograms reaching ¥4,214, more than double from the previous year. Wholesalers and retailers have expressed dissatisfaction with the uneven distribution of the released rice, leading to calls for improvements from the government. The crisis stems from a combination of factors, including extreme heat affecting last year's harvest and a long-term decline in small-scale family farms. The situation has been exacerbated by consumer panic buying amid fears of further shortages. With the government planning additional releases of stockpiled rice through July, there are concerns that these measures may not be sufficient to stabilize prices or ensure equitable distribution.