Japan's agriculture ministry plans to buy back up to 150,000 metric tons of rice in fiscal 2026 from the 590,000 tons it released from stockpiles on an emergency basis in 2025 following nationwide shortages.
Estimates as of the end of January showed private-sector rice inventories in 2027 are expected to significantly exceed the benchmark of 2 million tons set by the government, reaching a record high. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries believes buying back rice it released will not disrupt market supply, but it will assess actual supply and demand before making a decision.
The government has been releasing stockpiled rice since March 2025, after the onset of the "Reiwa-era rice upheaval" the previous year. It plans to buy back the 590,000 tons in stages over the coming years. While the timing of the buyback had not previously been disclosed, it has now been revealed that related expenses were included in the fiscal 2026 budget.
The appropriate level for government stockpiled rice is set at approximately 1 million tons, but the current level stands at just 320,000 tons. As the stockpile system was originally intended as a buffer against disasters and poor harvests, the government will repurchase rice from a food security perspective as well.
Separately from the buyback of the 590,000 tons, the ministry also resumed purchases of stockpiled rice from producers and others in April, totaling 210,000 tons, for the first time in about two years. While efforts are being made to optimize stockpiled rice levels, declines in the amounts of rice on the market could lead to rising prices and potentially trigger a backlash from consumers.
by SkyInJapan