Core Insights - The Japanese government plans to release an additional 200,000 tons of reserve rice to stabilize rice prices, which have doubled compared to the same period last year, currently averaging 4,223 yen for a 5-kilogram bag [1][2] - Despite government efforts to release reserve rice, the effectiveness has been limited, with only 7.1% of the 210,000 tons released in March reaching retail stores by late April [2][3] - The high rice prices are attributed to several factors, including government policies aimed at reducing overproduction, climate change impacts, and increased demand due to natural disasters [2] Government Actions - The government has shifted its strategy for releasing reserve rice from a bidding system to direct contracts with large retailers, aiming to sell rice at 2,000 yen for a 5-kilogram bag [3] - The reserve rice being released is from the 2021 and 2022 harvests, with transportation costs covered by the government [3] - There is skepticism regarding the long-term effectiveness of these measures, with experts suggesting that the current high prices may persist beyond the upcoming elections [3] Market Conditions - A significant increase in food prices is expected, with 1,932 food items projected to rise in June, three times the number from the previous year, including over 100 items made from rice [1][2] - The ongoing high prices have led to consumer fatigue, with many reducing their purchases of food and daily necessities [1][2] - The agricultural sector faces challenges such as labor shortages due to an aging population and adverse weather conditions affecting rice quality [2]

Group 1 - The core issue in Japan is the rising price of rice, which has doubled compared to last year, leading to government intervention and public outcry [1][3][19] - The Japanese government released 210,000 tons of reserve rice, but it has not yet entered the market, causing further frustration among consumers [1][3] - The average price of rice has seen significant increases, with five kilograms reaching over 4,000 yen, and the demand for alternative grains like barley has surged by 1.5 times [19][22] Group 2 - The traditional rice shops, known as "米屋" (komeya), have seen a decline in consumer visits, with most people now purchasing rice from supermarkets [10][13][16] - The concept of "米大师" (rice master) has emerged, with over 2,600 certified rice masters in Japan, indicating a specialized knowledge in rice selection and preparation [16] - The ongoing rice price crisis has sparked protests among farmers, known as "令和百姓一揆," advocating for better government support and subsidies for agriculture [24][25][26] Group 3 - The agricultural landscape in Japan is characterized by small-scale farming, which is seen as a cultural cornerstone, but it faces challenges due to low income and an aging population [27][28] - Discussions around the inefficiency of the current agricultural policies are intensifying, with calls for a shift towards larger-scale farming to enhance productivity and food security [28][31] - The rice price crisis has highlighted the need for reform in Japan's agricultural policies, which have historically protected small farmers but may no longer be sustainable [28][31]