Japan to further reduce rice reserves: In search of market stability

The Japanese government has decided to allocate an additional 200,000 tons of rice from its national reserves in an effort to address domestic rice shortages. This was announced by the country's Minister of Agriculture, Shinjiro Koizumi, according to Kyodo News.

It was reported that this amount of rice will be distributed through direct contracts to retail networks — including small supermarkets, specialized stores, and major retail operators. The Ministry of Agriculture stated that applications will be accepted starting Wednesday.

According to previous data, Japan's national rice reserves stood at 910,000 tons. However, following auctions held in March and April, the reserves decreased rapidly and currently stand at around 100,000 tons. This has raised concerns among some analysts about potential food shortages during emergencies.

Since last summer, the population has been experiencing difficulties due to rice shortages in stores. As a result, rice prices have risen sharply — this year’s prices are nearly double compared to last year.

These measures taken by the Japanese government aim to reduce public anxiety and stabilize prices in the domestic market. Officials intend to ensure the prompt and targeted distribution of rice.