In regions like Kyushu and Shikoku, the shipment of early rice has begun, and it is being sold for high prices ranging from ¥4,000 to ¥5,000 per 5-kilogram bag at supermarkets. Concerns arise over the 2025 rice crop due to potential heat damage, which might affect expected harvest yields. Meanwhile, the advance payment JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) provides to farmers, known as “estimated payments,” has seen significant increases, suggesting that high rice prices could persist.
Early rice, harvested in July and August, is popular in Kyushu and Shikoku, with new rice appearing on shelves in August. A survey on August 20 at five supermarkets in Fukuoka showed Miyazaki-produced Koshihikari priced from ¥4,190 to ¥5,162 per 5-kilogram bag, approximately 1.5 times last year’s prices. A supermarket representative noted strong pricing efforts to meet customer anticipation for new rice, with satisfactory sales performance reported.
The increase in JA’s estimated payments to farmers corresponds to rising new rice prices. For example, JA Kochi set the price of early rice Koshihikari at ¥22,000 per 60 kilograms, a 49% rise from last year. JA Zen-Noh Niigata increased payment for regular Koshihikari by 76% to ¥30,000, and JA Zen-Noh Yamagata set Tsuyahime at ¥31,000, a 59% increase. JA Fukui raised payments for Hanaechizen from ¥23,000 to ¥28,000, marking a 75% increase from last year due to regional trends.
These payment hikes are driven by rising cultivation costs and competitive buying from non-JA collection agencies, along with concerns about the impact of high temperatures and water shortages on crops, particularly in Hokuriku.
A supermarket representative predicted that branded rice prices below ¥4,000 per 5 kilograms are unlikely. Options like imported rice might be offered to give consumers price choices. A rice shop owner in Fukuoka expects that, due to intensified nationwide demand for rice, prices at retail will likely range from ¥4,500 to ¥5,500 per 5-kilogram bag this year.
by MagazineKey4532