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
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
