Group 1 - The core issue of rice shortage in Japan is intensifying, with the average price of 5 kg of rice reaching 4,223 yen (approximately 209.07 RMB), nearly doubling compared to the same period last year [1][3] - Some schools have reduced the number of days they provide rice in lunches, and restaurants have increased prices for rice-based dishes due to soaring rice prices [1][3] - The surge in rice prices has increased the cost of living for the public, leading to widespread dissatisfaction, with Japan's core inflation rate accelerating to 3.5% in April [1][3] Group 2 - The rice shortage in Japan began in 2023, primarily due to extreme heat affecting annual rice harvests, resulting in the lowest production levels in over a decade [3] - The increase in inbound tourists post-pandemic has led to a rebound in dining demand, exacerbating the tight rice supply situation [3] - A government earthquake warning in August 2024 prompted citizens to stockpile rice, causing prices to rise even though no earthquake occurred [3] - Japan's long-standing policy of protecting its domestic rice industry has made it difficult to resolve the rice shortage issue in the short term [3] - Historical context shows that in the 1970s, Japan faced a surplus of rice, leading to government purchases and stockpiling, and although a policy to curb overproduction was abolished in 2018, the government still provides subsidies to farmers adhering to rice planting quotas, limiting flexibility in the industry [3]