Rice prices in Japan continue to soar, despite measures taken by the Government

Although inflation in Japan slowed more than expected in June, rice prices have doubled in a year (+99.2% between June 2024 and June 2025). This is according to data recently published by the Japanese government and collected by the AFP agency. Prices continue to skyrocket despite measures taken by the Japanese Government, such as the release of part of the strategic rice reserves. The 2023 harvest (consumed last year) was reduced by record heat, while rice demand in 2024 increased due to panic buying following authorities' warnings about a possible "megaquake," the rising cost of imported food, and record tourism. Above all, merchants accumulated rice to increase their long-term profits, according to experts cited by AFP. The rice crisis is also becoming a political issue. In particular, it was one of the ...