The surge in rice prices across Japan stems from a supply shortage, and experts predict the situation will persist in the short to medium term.
Since last autumn, rice prices in Japan have been climbing continuously, with the cost of a 10-kilogram bag doubling from 2,000 yen (about 13.92 U.S. dollars) to over 4,000 yen, placing a significant financial strain on residents.
In an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) on Wednesday, Mitsuyoshi Ando, a professor at The University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, shared insights into the underlying causes.
"It is basically clear that there is indeed a rice shortage, which is an obvious fact. Last year's rice production was lower than expected, and there were already discussions of a potential shortage starting from last year. In summary, one of the issues this time is that there is simply not enough rice," said Ando.
To stabilize the market, the Japanese government began releasing reserve rice in March this year, but the measure has had limited impact. Data from Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries shows that as of April 27, only about 7 percent of the released reserve rice had reached retail markets.
"Indeed, a considerable amount of reserve rice has been released, but the issue is that it takes time for these rice to actually reach consumers. Another issue is that the initial amount released was relatively small, so even when it hits the shelves, it will sell out quickly with a continuous and large supply unable to be ensured. From late August to September last year, a lot of rice was purchased at relatively high prices. On top of that, there are distribution costs and profit margins. Since the purchase price itself was high, it's impossible for the current market price to drop," said Ando.
Looking ahead, Ando believes that rice prices will remain high for the foreseeable future.
"I believe rice prices will remain high for a while. After September, new rice will gradually hit the market. However, if this year's rice production continues to be poor or only just meets demand, prices will likely stay elevated. Fertilizer prices are rising, and the cost of agricultural machinery has also increased significantly. From the perspective of farmers, it is really difficult to lower prices," said the expert.
Rice price surge in Japan likely to persist due to short supply: expert
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
