Japan's rice policy shifts to increased production after 50 years

Facing a surge in rice prices, the Japanese government has declared a shift to a rice production increase policy after 50 years. This marks the official abandonment of the agricultural policy trend that has centered on production suppression since the 1970s, and is expected to be a major turning point in Japan's agricultural history. Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, during a meeting of rice-related ministers held five days ago, stated, "We take the criticism of the shortage of rice production and the government's inadequate response very seriously." He added, "From now on, we will establish a system that can flexibly and comprehensively respond to supply and demand pressures, and starting from 2027, we will transition to a policy of improving productivity and increasing production." The Japanese government introduced the 'Production Adjustment System (reduction policy)' in the 1970s to prevent a drop in rice prices and excess inventory, encouraging farmers to reduce the ...