Japan’s Rice‍ Crisis: Shortages Send Prices Soaring, Minister Steps Down

Updated May 31, 2025

Japan is currently ‍grappling with a significant rice shortage, causing prices to skyrocket and sparking widespread consumer frustration. The situation has even led to the resignation of Agriculture Minister Taku Eto after he made comments perceived as insensitive to the public’s‍ struggles with rising food costs.

The price‍ of rice,a staple in Japanese culture,has doubled since last summer. The Koshihikari brand now costs nearly 5,000 yen ($35) for⁣ 5 kilograms (11 ‍pounds). Data⁤ from the farm ministry ⁣indicates that rice stocks at Japan‍ Agricultural Cooperatives and other commercial wholesalers have fallen to a record low of 1.53 million tons⁣ as ⁤of June, a shortfall of 400,000 tons⁤ compared to last year.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s government is under pressure to⁢ address the crisis. Ishiba has pledged to lower the average rice price to around 3,000⁣ yen ($20) per 5 kilograms (11 pounds). ‍He admitted that current measures⁢ are not working and cited “structural problems” within the government’s rice policy.

Several factors have contributed to the‍ shortage. Panic buying triggered by⁣ warnings of a potential “megaquake” last summer exacerbated existing issues. Increased tourism, more frequent dining out, rising bread and noodle prices ⁤due to the Russia-Ukraine war, and a poor 2023 harvest due to hot weather and pests have all played a role.

The agriculture minister’s resignation came after he said he “never had to ⁤buy rice” as supporters gifted it⁢ to him. Shinjiro Koizumi, the former ⁣environment minister, has replaced Eto and is tasked with resolving the rice problem and reforming japan’s agriculture lobby.

“We don’t know why we haven’t‍ been able to push prices lower,” Ishiba said, adding, “We first‍ will figure out exactly how much rice there is ⁢and where it is.”

The ⁢Agriculture Ministry has faced criticism for delays in releasing emergency rice reserves. Only 10% of the released stocks have reached the market, leading to suspicions of hoarding by wholesalers. Koizumi has announced plans to switch to ⁤voluntary government contracts for rice to better control prices and lift a cap on the next sale.

Consumers are feeling the pinch. Hiromi ⁢akaba, a resident of Kawasaki, said she has‍ no choice but to buy rice at the current high prices. “If this continues, we will stop eating rice,” Akaba said.”This could lead to a shift away from rice consumption.” Many stores are limiting customers to one bag of rice per visit.

Retailers ‍are adapting by turning to imports. Aeon Co., a major supermarket chain, plans to sell U.S.-grown Japonica ⁣”Calrose” rice at 600 ‍outlets starting ⁣next month. A 4-kilogram (nearly 9-pound) bag of Calrose will sell for 2,894 yen ($20). The company is buying 1.4 ⁣tons to bridge the gap until the autumn harvest.

“We⁢ are worried ⁢that⁤ the ongoing rice shortages and soaring⁣ prices may accelerate that trend…and we don’t want it ⁤to happen,” said Hirokazu Satou, an Aeon corporate communications official.

What’s next

Japan ⁤faces the challenge of developing a⁤ long-term strategy to address its rice supply issues.With⁣ the average age⁣ of farmers at 69 and the farming population declining, finding lasting ⁣solutions is crucial for the nation’s food security.