Rice prices in Japan continue to climb, with the Ministry of Agriculture reporting that the average price of rice sold at supermarkets nationwide rose for the second straight week.
As of August 17, the average stood at ¥3,804 for a five-kilogram bag, up ¥67 from the previous week. Officials say the increase may partly reflect the arrival of higher-priced new harvests in some regions.
In Sendai, shoppers voiced frustration. “I checked the prices everywhere — they’re all high,” one said. Another added, “It’s cheaper than the peak, but still more expensive than before. I’d love to see more reserve rice available.”
At a Miyagi Co-op store, a batch of 350 bags of government stock rice priced at ¥1,800 sold out in a single day, highlighting strong demand for lower-cost options.
Consumers are now anxiously watching for the price of freshly harvested rice. Some expect it could reach ¥4,000 to ¥5,000 for five kilograms. The store’s deputy manager said Miyagi rice is likely to go on sale in late September but warned that with nationwide supply tight, prices are unlikely to drop significantly.
by MagazineKey4532