Group 1 - The average price of a 5-kilogram bag of rice in Japan has reached 4,316 yen (approximately 198 RMB), marking a new record high and reflecting a significant increase for the second consecutive week [1][2] - The rise in rice prices is attributed to the high cost of newly harvested rice entering the market and a decrease in the supply of relatively cheaper government reserve rice [2] - Many Japanese citizens are expressing concerns over rice becoming a "luxury item," leading some to switch their staple food to pasta [2] Group 2 - Starting from summer 2024, rice prices in Japan are expected to continue rising due to factors such as extreme heat causing poor harvests [2] - In response to rising prices, the former government had previously released government reserve rice to stabilize the market, but the current administration opposes this approach and suggests issuing rice discount coupons to low-income groups [2] - Some cities have begun distributing rice discount coupons, although the costs associated with processing these coupons have raised questions about their effectiveness [2]
日本米价再创新高 民众感叹成“奢侈品”
Xin Hua Wang·2025-11-15 03:41