Group 1 - Japan is experiencing high temperatures that are negatively impacting agricultural production, leading to increased prices for vegetables and pork, with domestic pork prices reaching a 50-year high [1] - The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan forecasts that wholesale prices for 15 major vegetables in Tokyo will be 10% to 30% higher than the average of the past five years due to reduced harvests in key production areas [1] - The average price of pork in July remained high, matching last year's record levels, with experts predicting further price increases if high temperatures persist [1] Group 2 - Drought conditions in Niigata Prefecture are causing rice paddies to crack, leading to concerns about rice production, with an estimated reduction of 80,000 tons from the initial forecast of 6.69 million tons for 2023 [2] - The anticipated price for new rice is projected to be around 3,500 yen per 5 kilograms, based on current prepayment standards, with potential for further increases if harvests are poor [2] - The Japanese government is shifting its rice policy from maintaining prices through production limits to increasing production, considering measures such as expanding farmland and technological innovations [2]