日媒：储备米陆续投放，日本大米价格18周来首次转跌

Group 1 - The average price of rice in Japan decreased to 4,214 yen per 5 kilograms during the period from April 28 to May 4, marking a decline of 19 yen compared to the previous week, breaking an 18-week upward trend [1] - The decrease in rice prices is attributed to the government's release of reserve rice into the market, with supermarkets offering low-priced mixed reserve rice products, which effectively lowered overall prices [1] - Despite the price drop, current rice prices remain approximately double compared to the same period last year, indicating ongoing challenges in achieving sustained price reductions [1] Group 2 - The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has conducted three rounds of bidding to release 310,000 tons of reserve rice to stabilize market prices, but only 63,000 tons have been distributed so far, representing 32% of the planned total [3] - To address the high rice prices, Aeon supermarket plans to introduce California medium-grain rice at a price of 2,894 yen for 4 kilograms starting June 6, aiming to provide consumers with a more affordable option [3]