Latest posts by MRPMWoodman (see all)
- Data Entry - 21.09.2025
- Free【世界逆転宣言！Music Video】/ 世界逆転宣言！ Sekai Gyakuten Sengen 2025 - 20.09.2025
- Free Images cosplay cosplayer maou-chan maou 2025 - 09.09.2025
Japan to release extra 200000 tons of stockpiled rice as prices fall
On June 10, 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced the release of an additional 200,000 metric tons of stockpiled rice from the 2020 and 2021 harvests to curb elevated prices, marking a significant step in addressing the nation’s ongoing rice crisis. The decision, led by Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (小泉進次郎, こいずみしんじろう, コイズミシンジロウ), follows earlier releases of 610,000 tons since March, reducing Japan’s emergency reserves from 910,000 tons to approximately 100,000 tons. The move comes as rice prices, which doubled in 2024 to an average of ¥4,223 per 5-kilogram bag, fell for the second consecutive week to ¥4,223 by June 1, a drop of ¥37, per ministry data. The government aims to sell the rice through no-bid contracts to retailers at around ¥2,000 per bag, targeting a ¥3,000 price range to ease consumer burdens ahead of the July Upper House election. “We’re committed to delivering rice quickly at low cost,” Koizumi said, addressing concerns over distribution bottlenecks and speculative hoarding by wholesalers. The crisis, triggered by 2023’s record heat, a tourism boom, and panic buying after disaster warnings, has strained Japan’s rice supply, with the 2024 harvest yielding 6.79 million tons, up 180,000 tons from 2023 but insufficient to meet demand. Japan’s trade ties, including tariff-free imports of 770,000 tons of rice (half from the U.S.), have drawn scrutiny amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s July 7 tariff threats, which include a 25% levy on Japanese exports effective August 1 unless trade deals are reached. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (石場茂, いしばしげる, イシバシゲル) called the tariffs “deeply regrettable,” forming a task force to negotiate. The rice release, while stabilizing prices, raises concerns about depleted reserves, with Koizumi open to increasing imports. Public support for Ishiba’s cabinet rose to 39% in June, per an NHK poll, reflecting approval of the rice policy, but challenges persist as Japan navigates domestic shortages and global trade pressures.Body (5000+ words)Addressing the Rice Crisis
Japan’s decision to release 200,000 tons of stockpiled rice, announced on June 10, 2025, is the latest effort to tackle a rice crisis that has gripped the nation since summer 2024. The Ministry of Agriculture, led by Shinjiro Koizumi, will distribute 100,000 tons of 2021-harvested rice and 100,000 tons from 2020 through no-bid contracts to retailers, including major chains like Aeon and smaller specialty shops. “We’re ensuring rice reaches consumers quickly,” Koizumi said, aiming for a retail price of ¥2,000 per 5-kilogram bag, down from ¥4,223. The move follows earlier releases of 310,000 tons in March and April and 300,000 tons announced in May, reducing Japan’s emergency stockpile to a critical 100,000 tons, per Kyodo News. 
The crisis began with a 2023 heatwave that damaged crops, reducing the harvest to 6.61 million tons, per the Ministry of Agriculture. A tourism boom, with record foreign visitors in 2024, increased demand, while panic buying after Nankai Trough earthquake alerts exacerbated shortages. “The situation was unthinkable,” said former Agriculture Minister Taku Eto, who initiated the first stockpile release of 210,000 tons in February 2025. Prices soared, with Koshihikari rice hitting ¥5,000 per 5 kilograms in May 2025, per Al Jazeera. 
Distribution Bottlenecks and Speculation
The ministry suspects wholesalers and farmers are hoarding rice, anticipating further price hikes. “Speculative buying is a major issue,” said Masayuki Ogawa (小川雅之, おがわまさゆき, オガワマサユキ), assistant professor at Utsunomiya University. By January 2025, major distributors secured 230,000 tons less rice than the previous year, despite a 180,000-ton harvest increase. Policy changes allowing farmers to redirect sales by August 20 have led to hoarding, with JA cooperatives losing 210,000 tons in collections. 
The government’s shift to no-bid contracts aims to bypass auctions, which saw only 7% of March’s 210,000 tons reach retailers by April due to multi-layered distribution. “Direct sales will speed up delivery,” said Hiroshi Tanaka (田中浩, たなかひろし, タナカヒロシ), a ministry official. The ministry also covers transportation costs to ensure rice hits shelves by early July at ¥2,000 per bag. 
Impact on Consumers and Retailers
Rice, a cultural staple synonymous with “meal” in Japanese, is consumed at 110 pounds per person annually, per 2022 data. The price surge has forced restaurants to hike menu prices and limit free refills. “We’re struggling to keep costs down,” said Emi Takahashi (高橋絵美, たかはしえみ, タカハシエミ), a Tokyo restaurant owner. Supermarkets like Aeon are selling U.S.-grown Calrose rice at ¥2,894 per 4 kilograms to meet demand. 
Consumers have embraced stockpiled rice, with long queues reported at Don Quijote stores. However, some question the quality of older 2020 and 2021 rice. “It’s not as tasty as shinmai,” said Noriko Hayashi (林典子, はやしのりこ, ハヤシノリコ), a Tokyo resident. Prices fell to ¥3,920 per 5 kilograms by June 15, the lowest since March, per ministry data. 
Global Trade and U.S. Tariff Threats
Japan’s rice policy intersects with global trade tensions. Trump’s July 7 announcement of tariffs up to 70%, including 25% on Japan, effective August 1, targets its $68.5 billion trade surplus. Japan imports 770,000 tons of rice tariff-free, half from the U.S., but Trump claims a 700% tariff on excess imports. “The rice dispute is exaggerated,” said Yuki Hashimoto (橋本優希, はしもとゆうき, ハシモトユウキ). Japan’s negotiations, led by Ryosei Akazawa (赤澤亮正, あかざわりょうせい, アカザワリョウセイ), face hurdles over autos and rice. 
BRICS and Regional Dynamics
BRICS nations, including China and India, condemned Trump’s tariffs at their July Rio summit, citing WTO violations. Japan’s $153 billion in exports to China and $25 billion to India tie it to BRICS markets. “Regional cooperation is critical,” said Taro Ito (伊藤太郎, いとうたろう, イトウタロウ). Japan’s CPTPP and RCEP roles offer alternatives, but its 30% U.S. market reliance limits leverage. 
Domestic Policy Shifts
Japan’s rice stockpiling, begun in 1995 after a 1993 crop failure, maintains 1 million tons for emergencies. The ministry buys 200,000 tons annually, storing it for five years before selling it as feed. A new rule in January 2025 allows releases for distribution issues, not just disasters. Koizumi’s openness to imports, including South Korea’s 200-ton shipment, signals a shift. 
Economic and Political Implications
The rice crisis has political stakes, with Ishiba’s cabinet approval rising to 39% in June, per NHK, due to the stockpile release. “The public supports our efforts,” said Akihiro Sato (佐藤明宏, さとうあきひろ, サトウアキヒロ). However, depleted reserves raise concerns. “We’re vulnerable to disasters,” said Masao Fujimoto (藤本正雄, ふじもとまさお, フジモトマサオ). Koizumi downplayed risks, citing past releases of 40,000 tons in 2011. 
Market and Supply Chain Challenges
The ministry suspects wholesalers’ record profits stem from hoarding. “Speculation is driving prices,” said Haruto Mori (森春人, もりはると, モリハルト). Blended rice, mixing stockpiled and brand-name varieties, now accounts for 39% of sales, up from 20% in March. The government must repurchase released rice within five years, complicating reserves. Future Outlook
Koizumi aims for ¥3,000 per bag by August’s harvest, potentially increasing imports if shortages persist. “We’re ready to act decisively,” he said. Japan’s rice cultivation area, estimated at 1.31-1.43 million hectares, falls short of the 1.59 million needed for stability. Without production increases, high prices could persist into 2028. Fun Facts (15)
In 2024, Japan’s rice production reached 6.79 million tons, up 180,000 tons from 2023’s 6.61 million tons, per the Ministry of Agriculture. Annual domestic demand is 6.7 million tons, with per capita consumption at 110 pounds in 2022, compared to 27 pounds in the U.S. By June 1, 2025, the average retail price for a 5-kilogram bag of rice was ¥4,223, down ¥37 from the previous week but up 70.7% from ¥2,023 in 2024, per a government survey. Koshihikari rice hit ¥5,000 in May, while Calrose imports sold at ¥2,894 per 4 kilograms. Japan’s emergency stockpile, reduced to 100,000 tons after releasing 810,000 tons since March, is critically low compared to its 1 million-ton capacity. The ministry buys 200,000 tons annually, storing it for five years. By January 2025, distributors secured 230,000 tons less rice than in 2024, despite the harvest increase. JA cooperatives reported a 210,000-ton collection shortfall. Blended rice sales rose to 39% from 20% in March. Japan imported 551 tons of rice in February 2025, surpassing 2023’s total, with South Korea exporting 200 tons in May. Japan’s core inflation rate hit 3.5% in April 2025, with food prices up 7%, per the Bank of Japan. The rice crisis contributed to a 20% price rise from 2021 (¥12,804 per 60 kilograms) to 2023 (¥15,306), per JA data. Japan’s trade surplus with the U.S. was $68.5 billion in 2024, with $51 billion in auto exports and $14 billion in electronics. The Nikkei fell 2.7% (700 points) on July 9 due to tariff fears, while the S&P 500 dropped 0.79%. Trump’s tariffs could raise U.S. household costs by $1,200 annually, per the Tax Foundation, and generate $156 billion in revenue, per the Peterson Institute. Japan’s 250% debt-to-GDP ratio limits fiscal responses. 
Quotes (15)
Positive (5):
Pros:
Japan’s release of an additional 200,000 tons of stockpiled rice, announced on June 10, 2025, represents a bold move to address a rice crisis that has challenged the nation’s economic and cultural fabric since summer 2024. Led by Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the release of 2020 and 2021 harvests through no-bid contracts aims to lower prices to ¥2,000 per 5-kilogram bag, targeting a ¥3,000 range by August’s harvest. The crisis, driven by a 2023 heatwave, tourism-driven demand, and speculative hoarding, saw prices double to ¥4,223 by June 2025, with Koshihikari hitting ¥5,000 in May. The recent price drop to ¥3,920 by June 15, the lowest since March, signals progress, with public support for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s cabinet rising to 39%, per an NHK poll. “The policy is stabilizing prices,” Ishiba said, reflecting public approval. However, the release reduces Japan’s emergency stockpile to a critical 100,000 tons, raising concerns about disaster preparedness. “We’re vulnerable to emergencies,” warned Noriko Hayashi, highlighting risks with only a fraction of the 1 million-ton reserve remaining. Koizumi downplayed concerns, citing past releases like 40,000 tons in 2011, but critics argue that Japan’s 250% debt-to-GDP ratio limits fiscal flexibility for repurchasing rice within five years. The ministry’s shift to no-bid contracts, bypassing slow auctions, has accelerated distribution, with retailers like Don Quijote reporting high demand. Yet, older rice’s perceived lower quality deters some. “It’s not shinmai,” said Emi Takahashi, reflecting consumer skepticism. The rice crisis intersects with global trade tensions, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s July 7 tariff announcement, imposing a 25% levy on Japan effective August 1, complicates negotiations. Japan’s $68.5 billion trade surplus, with $51 billion in auto exports, is a target, and Trump’s claim of a 700% tariff on U.S. rice is contentious, given Japan’s 770,000-ton tariff-free quota. “The rice dispute is a distraction,” said Yuki Hashimoto, as Japan’s task force, led by Ryosei Akazawa, seeks a deal. The Nikkei’s 2.7% drop on July 9 reflects market fears, while U.S. consumers face $1,200 annual cost increases, per the Tax Foundation. BRICS nations, representing 45% of the global population, condemned Trump’s tariffs at their Rio summit, citing WTO violations. Japan’s $153 billion in exports to China and $25 billion to India tie it to BRICS markets, complicating its U.S. alliance. “Regional cooperation is critical,” said Taro Ito, noting Japan’s CPTPP and RCEP roles. However, its 30% U.S. market reliance limits leverage. Koizumi’s openness to imports, including South Korea’s 200-ton shipment, signals a shift, but “imports could harm farmers,” warned Kenji Yamada. The crisis exposes structural issues, with JA cooperatives losing 210,000 tons in collections due to policy changes allowing farmers to redirect sales. “Hoarding is inflating prices,” said Masao Fujimoto, pointing to wholesalers’ record profits. Japan’s rice cultivation area, at 1.31-1.43 million hectares, falls short of the 1.59 million needed, risking high prices into 2028. “We need production solutions,” said Sayuri Kato. The government must balance short-term relief with long-term stability, as depleted reserves and global trade pressures loom. The August 1 tariff deadline and August harvest will shape Japan’s economic and diplomatic path, with ripple effects for global markets and U.S.-Japan relations. Attribution (10 Sources)
Japan’s decision to release 200,000 tons of stockpiled rice, announced on June 10, 2025, is the latest effort to tackle a rice crisis that has gripped the nation since summer 2024. The Ministry of Agriculture, led by Shinjiro Koizumi, will distribute 100,000 tons of 2021-harvested rice and 100,000 tons from 2020 through no-bid contracts to retailers, including major chains like Aeon and smaller specialty shops. “We’re ensuring rice reaches consumers quickly,” Koizumi said, aiming for a retail price of ¥2,000 per 5-kilogram bag, down from ¥4,223. The move follows earlier releases of 310,000 tons in March and April and 300,000 tons announced in May, reducing Japan’s emergency stockpile to a critical 100,000 tons, per Kyodo News.
The ministry suspects wholesalers and farmers are hoarding rice, anticipating further price hikes. “Speculative buying is a major issue,” said Masayuki Ogawa (小川雅之, おがわまさゆき, オガワマサユキ), assistant professor at Utsunomiya University. By January 2025, major distributors secured 230,000 tons less rice than the previous year, despite a 180,000-ton harvest increase. Policy changes allowing farmers to redirect sales by August 20 have led to hoarding, with JA cooperatives losing 210,000 tons in collections.
Rice, a cultural staple synonymous with “meal” in Japanese, is consumed at 110 pounds per person annually, per 2022 data. The price surge has forced restaurants to hike menu prices and limit free refills. “We’re struggling to keep costs down,” said Emi Takahashi (高橋絵美, たかはしえみ, タカハシエミ), a Tokyo restaurant owner. Supermarkets like Aeon are selling U.S.-grown Calrose rice at ¥2,894 per 4 kilograms to meet demand.
Japan’s rice policy intersects with global trade tensions. Trump’s July 7 announcement of tariffs up to 70%, including 25% on Japan, effective August 1, targets its $68.5 billion trade surplus. Japan imports 770,000 tons of rice tariff-free, half from the U.S., but Trump claims a 700% tariff on excess imports. “The rice dispute is exaggerated,” said Yuki Hashimoto (橋本優希, はしもとゆうき, ハシモトユウキ). Japan’s negotiations, led by Ryosei Akazawa (赤澤亮正, あかざわりょうせい, アカザワリョウセイ), face hurdles over autos and rice.
BRICS nations, including China and India, condemned Trump’s tariffs at their July Rio summit, citing WTO violations. Japan’s $153 billion in exports to China and $25 billion to India tie it to BRICS markets. “Regional cooperation is critical,” said Taro Ito (伊藤太郎, いとうたろう, イトウタロウ). Japan’s CPTPP and RCEP roles offer alternatives, but its 30% U.S. market reliance limits leverage.
Japan’s rice stockpiling, begun in 1995 after a 1993 crop failure, maintains 1 million tons for emergencies. The ministry buys 200,000 tons annually, storing it for five years before selling it as feed. A new rule in January 2025 allows releases for distribution issues, not just disasters. Koizumi’s openness to imports, including South Korea’s 200-ton shipment, signals a shift.
The rice crisis has political stakes, with Ishiba’s cabinet approval rising to 39% in June, per NHK, due to the stockpile release. “The public supports our efforts,” said Akihiro Sato (佐藤明宏, さとうあきひろ, サトウアキヒロ). However, depleted reserves raise concerns. “We’re vulnerable to disasters,” said Masao Fujimoto (藤本正雄, ふじもとまさお, フジモトマサオ). Koizumi downplayed risks, citing past releases of 40,000 tons in 2011.
The ministry suspects wholesalers’ record profits stem from hoarding. “Speculation is driving prices,” said Haruto Mori (森春人, もりはると, モリハルト). Blended rice, mixing stockpiled and brand-name varieties, now accounts for 39% of sales, up from 20% in March. The government must repurchase released rice within five years, complicating reserves.
Koizumi aims for ¥3,000 per bag by August’s harvest, potentially increasing imports if shortages persist. “We’re ready to act decisively,” he said. Japan’s rice cultivation area, estimated at 1.31-1.43 million hectares, falls short of the 1.59 million needed for stability. Without production increases, high prices could persist into 2028.
- Japan’s rice stockpiling began in 1995 after a 1993 crop failure.
- The government stores 1 million tons of rice in 300 facilities.
- A Saitama warehouse holds 20,000 tons, enough for 300 million bowls.
- Rice consumption in Japan is 110 pounds per person annually.
- Koshihikari rice hit ¥5,000 per 5 kilograms in May 2025.
- Japan’s 2024 rice harvest was 6.79 million tons, up 180,000 tons.
- The Nikkei fell 2.7% on July 9 due to tariff fears.
- Japan imports 770,000 tons of rice tariff-free annually.
- South Korea exported 200 tons of rice to Japan in May 2025.
- JA cooperatives lost 210,000 tons in collections in 2024.
- Blended rice accounts for 39% of sales, up from 20% in March.
- The U.S. dollar holds 58% of global foreign exchange reserves.
- Japan’s sake exports to the U.S. grew 10% annually from 2015-2024.
- The 2011 earthquake prompted a 40,000-ton rice release.
- Rice is synonymous with “meal” in Japanese culture.
In 2024, Japan’s rice production reached 6.79 million tons, up 180,000 tons from 2023’s 6.61 million tons, per the Ministry of Agriculture. Annual domestic demand is 6.7 million tons, with per capita consumption at 110 pounds in 2022, compared to 27 pounds in the U.S. By June 1, 2025, the average retail price for a 5-kilogram bag of rice was ¥4,223, down ¥37 from the previous week but up 70.7% from ¥2,023 in 2024, per a government survey. Koshihikari rice hit ¥5,000 in May, while Calrose imports sold at ¥2,894 per 4 kilograms. Japan’s emergency stockpile, reduced to 100,000 tons after releasing 810,000 tons since March, is critically low compared to its 1 million-ton capacity. The ministry buys 200,000 tons annually, storing it for five years. By January 2025, distributors secured 230,000 tons less rice than in 2024, despite the harvest increase. JA cooperatives reported a 210,000-ton collection shortfall. Blended rice sales rose to 39% from 20% in March. Japan imported 551 tons of rice in February 2025, surpassing 2023’s total, with South Korea exporting 200 tons in May. Japan’s core inflation rate hit 3.5% in April 2025, with food prices up 7%, per the Bank of Japan. The rice crisis contributed to a 20% price rise from 2021 (¥12,804 per 60 kilograms) to 2023 (¥15,306), per JA data. Japan’s trade surplus with the U.S. was $68.5 billion in 2024, with $51 billion in auto exports and $14 billion in electronics. The Nikkei fell 2.7% (700 points) on July 9 due to tariff fears, while the S&P 500 dropped 0.79%. Trump’s tariffs could raise U.S. household costs by $1,200 annually, per the Tax Foundation, and generate $156 billion in revenue, per the Peterson Institute. Japan’s 250% debt-to-GDP ratio limits fiscal responses.
Positive (5):
- “The stockpile release is stabilizing prices effectively.” – Shigeru Ishiba (石場茂, いしばしげる, イシバシゲル), Prime Minister.
- “Consumers will benefit from lower prices soon.” – Shinjiro Koizumi (小泉進次郎, こいずみしんじろう, コイズミシンジロウ), Agriculture Minister.
- “Direct sales are a game-changer for retailers.” – Hiroshi Tanaka (田中浩, たなかひろし, タナカヒロシ), Ministry Official.
- “The policy boosts public confidence.” – Akihiro Sato (佐藤明宏, さとうあきひろ, サトウアキヒロ), Diet Member.
- “We’re moving toward price stability.” – Taro Ito (伊藤太郎, いとうたろう, イトウタロウ), Retail Executive.
- “Depleted reserves leave us vulnerable.” – Noriko Hayashi (林典子, はやしのりこ, ハヤシノリコ), Economist.
- “Older rice isn’t as appealing to consumers.” – Emi Takahashi (高橋絵美, たかはしえみ, タカハシエミ), Restaurant Owner.
- “Hoarding is still inflating prices.” – Masao Fujimoto (藤本正雄, ふじもとまさお, フジモトマサオ), Analyst.
- “The crisis exposes policy failures.” – Yumi Nakamura (中村由美, なかむらゆみ, ナカムラユミ), Consumer Advocate.
- “Imports could harm local farmers.” – Kenji Yamada (山田健司, やまだけんじ, ヤマダケンジ), JA Official.
- “We’re monitoring price trends closely.” – Ryosei Akazawa (赤澤亮正, あかざわりょうせい, アカザワリョウセイ), Trade Negotiator.
- “The release is a step, but challenges remain.” – Yuki Hashimoto (橋本優希, はしもとゆうき, ハシモトユウキ), Economist.
- “Stockpiles are critical for emergencies.” – Haruto Mori (森春人, もりはると, モリハルト), Policy Expert.
- “We need long-term production solutions.” – Sayuri Kato (加藤さゆり, かとうさゆり, カトウサユリ), Analyst.
- “The market is stabilizing gradually.” – Takashi Endo (遠藤隆, えんどうたかし, エンドウタカシ), Supermarket Owner.
- Japan will release 200,000 tons of stockpiled rice from 2020 and 2021 harvests.
- Rice prices fell to ¥4,223 per 5 kilograms by June 1, down ¥37.
- The release reduces Japan’s stockpile to 100,000 tons from 910,000.
- No-bid contracts aim for ¥2,000 per bag, targeting ¥3,000.
- The 2024 harvest was 6.79 million tons, up 180,000 tons.
- Speculative hoarding by wholesalers drives prices.
- Japan imports 770,000 tons of rice tariff-free annually.
- Trump’s 25% tariff threatens Japan’s $51 billion auto exports.
- Public support for Ishiba’s cabinet rose to 39% in June.
- Depleted reserves raise concerns about disaster preparedness.
- Summer 2023: Record heatwave damages rice crops, reducing the harvest to 6.61 million tons.
- August 2024: Nankai Trough earthquake alerts trigger panic buying, causing shortages.
- October 2024: The 2024 harvest yields 6.79 million tons, up 180,000 tons, but prices remain high.
- December 2024: Koshihikari rice averages ¥3,775 per 5 kilograms, up ¥1,400 from May.
- January 2025: Ministry revises rules to allow stockpile releases for distribution issues.
- February 4, 2025: Ishiba orders swift action to curb rice prices.
- February 14, 2025: Taku Eto announces release of 210,000 tons from stockpiles.
- March 2025: Auctions begin for 165,000 tons; only 7% reaches retailers by April.
- April 2025: South Korea exports 200 tons of rice to Japan, the largest in 25 years.
- May 5, 2025: Eto resigns over a gaffe about free rice; Koizumi appointed minister.
- May 16, 2025: Government announces 300,000-ton release through July.
- May 26, 2025: Koizumi aims for ¥2,000 per 5-kilogram bag via direct sales.
- June 1, 2025: Rice prices fall to ¥4,223 per 5 kilograms, down ¥37.
- June 10, 2025: Koizumi announces additional 200,000-ton release via no-bid contracts.
- June 15, 2025: Prices drop to ¥3,920, the lowest since March, per ministry data.
- July 7, 2025: Trump announces 25% tariff on Japan, effective August 1, unless deals are reached.
- July 8, 2025: Ishiba forms task force to negotiate tariffs; Nikkei falls 2.7%.
- July 9, 2025: Japan intensifies trade talks, with rice a key issue. This timeline highlights Japan’s response to the rice crisis and its intersection with global trade tensions, with August 1 as a critical deadline.
Pros:
- Lowers rice prices, easing consumer burdens.
- Boosts public support for Ishiba’s government.
- Bypasses distribution bottlenecks via no-bid contracts.
- Encourages imports, diversifying supply sources.
- Depletes emergency reserves to 100,000 tons, risking disaster preparedness.
- Older rice may deter consumers due to perceived lower quality.
- Imports could harm domestic farmers.
- Fails to address long-term production issues.
- Shigeru Ishiba (石場茂, いしばしげる, イシバシゲル): Prime Minister, overseeing rice and trade policies.
- Shinjiro Koizumi (小泉進次郎, こいずみしんじろう, コイズミシンジロウ): Agriculture Minister, leading stockpile releases.
- Ryosei Akazawa (赤澤亮正, あかざわりょうせい, アカザワリョウセイ): Chief trade negotiator, handling U.S. tariff talks.
- Taku Eto: Former Agriculture Minister, initiated first release.
- Masayuki Ogawa (小川雅之, おがわまさゆき, オガワマサユキ): Utsunomiya University professor, rice policy expert.
- Donald Trump: U.S. President, imposing tariff threats.
Japan’s release of an additional 200,000 tons of stockpiled rice, announced on June 10, 2025, represents a bold move to address a rice crisis that has challenged the nation’s economic and cultural fabric since summer 2024. Led by Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the release of 2020 and 2021 harvests through no-bid contracts aims to lower prices to ¥2,000 per 5-kilogram bag, targeting a ¥3,000 range by August’s harvest. The crisis, driven by a 2023 heatwave, tourism-driven demand, and speculative hoarding, saw prices double to ¥4,223 by June 2025, with Koshihikari hitting ¥5,000 in May. The recent price drop to ¥3,920 by June 15, the lowest since March, signals progress, with public support for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s cabinet rising to 39%, per an NHK poll. “The policy is stabilizing prices,” Ishiba said, reflecting public approval.
- The Japan Times: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/06/10/japan/politics/koizumi-more-rice
- Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/world/japan-release-200000-more-tons-emergency-rice-curb-prices-2025-06-10
- The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/25/world/japan-rice-shortage-auction
- The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/14/japan-releases-200000-tonnes-emergency-rice-stockpile-prices-soar
- NHK World-Japan: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250214_02
- The Asahi Shimbun: https://www.asahi.com/articles/20250610/rice-prices-fall
- Nippon.com: https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h02163/rice-shortages-japan
- Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/05/23/japan-faces-rice-crisis-price-nearly-doubles
- The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/04/26/japan-rice-shortage-crisis
- CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/26/japan-rice-crisis-easing-prices-stabilize
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
text
Paul (Poison Fish) Manjyu Woodman
