日本首相：将彻查米价突然高涨原因

Core Viewpoint - The Japanese government is investigating the reasons behind the sudden surge in rice prices, which have reached record highs due to extreme weather conditions affecting rice harvests [1]. Group 1: Price Increase - Japan's domestic rice prices have been continuously rising, reaching unprecedented levels [1]. - As of April, rice prices increased by 98.4% compared to the same period last year, marking the largest increase since 1971 [1]. - Media commentary suggests that by 2025, rice in Japan may become comparable to "unaffordable gold" [1]. Group 2: Government Response - Prime Minister Kishida Fumio announced the establishment of a cabinet meeting to thoroughly investigate the causes of the rice price surge [1]. - The investigation is prompted by factors such as extreme high temperatures leading to poor rice harvests since the summer of 2024 [1].