Core Viewpoint - The price of rice in Japan has been declining for four consecutive weeks, but it remains high overall, leading to increased public concern regarding rice production and distribution issues [1]. Group 1: Rice Production and Costs - In Chiba Prefecture, a major rice-producing area, a rice farmer, Ito Hideo, manages about 100 hectares of rice fields, producing approximately 600,000 kilograms of rice annually [3]. - The cooperative that Ito is part of has faced significant financial challenges, reporting deficits for three consecutive years due to soaring production costs driven by rising prices of raw materials [3]. - The cost of agricultural machinery has increased dramatically, with a combine harvester rising from 16 million yen (approximately 800,000 RMB) to over 20 million yen (approximately 990,000 RMB), and a tractor from 6 million yen (approximately 300,000 RMB) to 8 million yen (approximately 400,000 RMB) [5]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Government Policies - Retail prices for locally produced rice have increased by nearly 30% compared to last year, despite government efforts to lower supermarket rice prices through the release of reserve rice [7]. - Rice procurement prices have been raised by buyers, including agricultural cooperatives, to ensure sufficient purchasing volumes, indicating a need for higher rice prices to address the operational difficulties faced by the rice industry [7]. - The Japanese government has shifted its rice production policy from reduction to increase this year, but the success of this initiative remains uncertain due to various influencing factors [7].