The July National Consumer Price Index released by the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications this week showed that rice prices rose 17.2% compared to the same period last year, the largest increase in 20 years, and major rice prices reached their highest level in 11 years.
In the past few weeks, people across Japan have noticed a shortage of rice supply in stores, with shelves often empty and prominent notices posted reminding customers that rice purchases are restricted.
Rice is an important staple food on the Japanese dining table, but why is this country suddenly facing a shortage of rice?
Hiroshi Itakura, an official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, explained that there has been a temporary shortage due to factors such as earthquakes, but this issue is not worth being vigilant about. Rice cultivation in Japan is done once a year, and the main rice producing areas start harvesting new rice in September, so August is always the rarest time of the year
He added that in fact, there were slight shortages around June, July, and August, but in the past one or two weeks, Japan has issued a warning for a major earthquake in the South China Sea trough. In addition to water and emergency supplies, rice has also been sold in large quantities, and recent earthquakes in many places have prompted people to stockpile rice.
In addition, the purchase restriction warning itself will trigger panic among the public, leading to more consumers joining the rush, further causing scarcity of goods.
A Japanese official recently stated on a television program that there may be deeper issues with the tight supply of rice. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has been encouraging farmers to grow livestock feed instead of rice, which has led to a decrease in the amount of rice produced in Japan.
After the official disclosure of rice inventory data in June, many stores implemented purchase restrictions. By July, many retailers were unable to provide rice at all.
As the situation escalated, the media coined a term for this situation - 'Linghe Rice Riot'. Although there have been no traditional riots, shortages have led to panic buying and other behaviors, and the situation has not improved yet.
A representative from the Japan Agricultural Association claimed that other reasons for the rice shortage include increased consumption by inbound tourists and the impact of high temperatures on the harvest. The scorching summer of 2023 caused high temperature damage to rice, resulting in a decrease in market demand and a tight supply and demand, leading to price increases.
However, as newly harvested rice begins to be put on shelves, concerns about supply shortages may soon disappear.
Itakura said, "The distribution of newly harvested rice has gradually begun. Early rice from Kagoshima Prefecture and Miyazaki Prefecture has been put on shelves in stores, and other places are also gradually advancing
The representative of the agricultural association reiterated the importance of not panic buying. Having sufficient inventory for people to use, it is crucial for the government to demand that people remain calm and take corresponding actions to maintain a balance between rice supply and demand