Japan Rice Prices 2026: Farmer Outlook
- Many of Japan's large-scale rice farmers are bracing for a potential drop in rice prices in 2026.
- The online survey, conducted from May 12-19, gathered responses from 188 association members.
- The survey also found that 72.3% of respondents expect rice prices to be higher in 2025 than they were in 2024.
Japanese rice farmers are sounding the alarm: they anticipate a drop in Japan rice prices 2026. Shockingly, a survey reveals 41% of large-scale farmers expect lower prices for rice harvested in 2026. Delve into the specific worries, including the impact of cheap imports and rising production, which are causing major concerns. Discover how over 72% anticipate higher prices for 2025 rice compared too 2024,while many feel current prices are already too high. This report uncovers farmer apprehension regarding construction costs, labor shortages, and potential overproduction. Read about the responses from 188 agricultural association members in May’s survey. For those following the agricultural market, this is a must-read from News Directory 3. Discover what’s next for japan’s rice farmers.
Japanese Rice Farmers Fear Potential Price Collapse in 2026
Updated May 31, 2025
Many of Japan’s large-scale rice farmers are bracing for a potential drop in rice prices in 2026. A recent survey by the Japan Agricultural Corporations Association revealed that 41% of farmers anticipate lower retail prices for rice harvested in 2026,compared to 2025. In contrast, 22.9% expect prices to increase.
The online survey, conducted from May 12-19, gathered responses from 188 association members. The results highlight concerns about the future of japanese rice farming, especially regarding the impact of cheap imported rice and rising domestic production on the domestic rice market.
The survey also found that 72.3% of respondents expect rice prices to be higher in 2025 than they were in 2024. For 2024 rice, 53.7% felt current prices are excessively high. When asked about producer prices, the largest group, 45.2%, cited a range of ¥20,001 to ¥25,000 per 60 kilograms.
Compared to 2023 rice, 38.3% of respondents indicated prices were ¥5,001 to ¥10,000 higher, while 5% reported prices were ¥15,001 to ¥20,000 higher.
Kazushi Saito, chairman of the association, voiced apprehension about the potential impact on farmers. He stated that 2026 rice prices “may collapse, making management difficult (for rice farmers).”
Farmers also expressed concerns about rising construction and machinery costs, labor shortages, and the possibility of overproduction leading to a price slump. The survey emerges as rice prices in Japan reach record highs, prompting government intervention to release stockpiled rice in an effort to lower costs for consumers.
What’s next
The Japan Agricultural Corporations Association is expected to continue monitoring rice prices and advocating for policies that support domestic rice farmers amid concerns about potential price declines and market instability.