Japan Releases 120,000 Tons of Reserved Rice to Ease Shortage Crisis

The crisis began when Japan's rice prices surged, with the price of a 5-kilogram bag of rice reaching as high as 5,000 yen (approximately $37 USD), a more than 90% increase from the previous year. The Japanese government's decision to release the reserved rice has helped to reduce prices, with the government setting a retail price of around 1,800 yen (approximately $13 USD) per 5 kilograms for the 2021 produce. However, the move has been met with skepticism by consumers, who are increasingly demanding higher-quality food products.

The root of the problem lies in Japan's agricultural structure, which has been criticized for being overly dependent on imported food and vulnerable to global supply chain volatility. The country's agricultural cooperative, or "JA," has long wielded significant influence over policy decisions, prioritizing the interests of farmers over the need for self-sufficiency in food production. The "reduction policy," which limits rice production to maintain prices and ensure farmers' incomes, has come at the cost of decreasing Japan's food self-sufficiency rate.

The Japanese government's slow response to the crisis and the continued influence of agricultural cooperatives on the market have hindered efforts to address the underlying issues. Experts warn that the release of rice reserves is only a temporary solution to a deeper problem, and that the government must reexamine its food security strategy and prioritize measures to boost domestic production, invest in agricultural innovation, and promote market liberalization.

As the country struggles to meet the demand for rice, the "rice battle" is likely to continue, with many wondering if the government's efforts will be enough to alleviate the shortages and price hikes. The scene has been likened to a "rice battle" by local media, with long lines of people forming to buy the limited supply of reserved rice. In some areas, people started lining up as early as 4 am, with queues stretching over 150 meters.

Ultimately, the Japanese government must address the underlying issues that led to the crisis, including the low food self-sufficiency rate and lagging agricultural technology. By prioritizing measures to boost domestic production, invest in agricultural innovation, and promote market liberalization, the government can create a more resilient and sustainable food system that can withstand external shocks and ensure a stable supply of high-quality food for its citizens. This will require addressing the long-standing issue of agricultural cooperatives' control over the market, which has been criticized for limiting competition and stifling innovation. Only by doing so can Japan mitigate the risks associated with its current agricultural structure and create a more secure future for its food landscape.