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July 01, 2026
 

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RICE

In the week ended last Sunday, the average price of rice sold at about 1,000 supermarkets across Japan rose by ¥23 from the previous week to ¥4,335 per 5 kilograms.
BUSINESS
Dec 6, 2025
Average price of rice in Japan hits new record high
The average retail price of the staple grain hit a new record high for the first time in three weeks, according to agriculture ministry data.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attends a ceremony Monday in Tokyo after her comment referring to her determination to work hard as president of the Liberal Democratic Party was awarded buzzword of the year for 2025.
JAPAN / Society
Dec 1, 2025
Takaichi’s work ethic sound bite wins Japan’s buzzword of the year
“Work, work, work, work and work” was named 2025’s buzzword of the year.
Mataro's <i>kawaribina</i> dolls, reflecting notable people and events of 2025, on display in Tokyo on Thursday
JAPAN
Nov 28, 2025
Dolls featuring iconic figures and events from 2025 showcased in Tokyo
Among the featured kawaribina dolls were those of Ichiro Suzuki, 52, who was inducted into the baseball halls of fame in both Japan and the United States.
The latest forecast of 7,468,000 tons of rice reflected the status at around 98% completion of harvesting in Japan.
JAPAN
Nov 19, 2025
Japan’s rice harvest forecast to rise 10% in 2025
If the forecast of 7,468,000 tons as of Oct. 25 is realized, it will be the largest harvest in Japan since 2017.
A farmer harvests rice in a field in Chikusei, Ibaraki Prefecture, on Oct. 9. Prices will most likely remain in the ¥4,000 range for 5 kilograms of the grain at least until the 2026 harvest is released next summer.
JAPAN / Society / FOCUS
Nov 12, 2025
New Cabinet searches for effective rice policy amid resurging prices
Officials are considering the distribution of “rice tickets” to make the nation’s staple grain more affordable for certain households.
Modern farming and government support have dramatically increased crop productivity, especially in rice, helping the world avoid food shortages despite climate challenge and opposition to technology like GMOs.
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 6, 2025
Rice can feed the world — even with fewer farmers
The world’s most important crop for food security recently reached its lowest price in 18 years.
Farmers spray herbicide at a rice farm in Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture, in June.
JAPAN
Nov 1, 2025
Japan 2026 staple rice production seen falling to 7.11 million tons
The country’s staple rice production is forecast to fall 370,000 tons from 2025, the agriculture ministry has said.
At Nepalico, the "dal bhat" — a Nepali dish consisting of rice and lentils stewed with spices — with chicken curry is the most popular item on the menu.
LIFE / Food & Drink
Oct 24, 2025
Lentil by lentil, Nepali food takes shape in Tokyo
The cuisine is emerging out of the shadow of Indian fare, thanks to a new breed of passionate chefs keen to introduce locals to South Asian dishes beyond butter chicken and naan.
Agriculture minister Norikazu Suzuki speaks during an interview at his ministry on Thursday.
JAPAN / Society
Oct 24, 2025
New farm minister hints at rethink of rice output increase
Norikazu Suzuki said farmers are worried that prices might collapse next year if there is too much supply.
The average price of rice was down for the fourth straight week, but it remained above ¥4,000 for the sixth week in a row.
JAPAN
Oct 18, 2025
Average price of rice in Japan falls for fourth straight week
The price dropped ¥63 from the previous week to ¥4,142 per 5 kilograms, but remained above the ¥4,000 mark for the sixth week in a row.
Agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi (front, second from left) inspects the growth of rice crops, on Aug. 28 in the city of Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture.
JAPAN
Oct 17, 2025
Race to secure 2025 rice crop heats up, lifting prices
Competition to secure new-crop rice is intensifying, pushing up the provisional payments that agricultural cooperatives advance to growers.
A participant samples tuna exported to Brazil by a company from Yaizu, Shizuoka Prefecture, at a Japan External Trade Organization event in Sao Paulo on Monday.
BUSINESS / Companies
Oct 14, 2025
Firms show off Japanese food at event in Brazil
Tradbras Importacao E Exportacao, a Brazilian unit of Japanese food manufacturer Kikkoman, showed off rice made in Niigata Prefecture.
Farmers spray herbicide at a rice farm in Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture, in June.
JAPAN
Oct 11, 2025
Japan’s 2025 rice harvest seen rising to 7.48 million tons
The harvest amount is expected to exceed 7 million tons for the first time since 2022, the agriculture ministry added.
The average price of rice decreased for the third consecutive week, but remained above ¥4,000 for the fifth week in a row.
JAPAN
Oct 10, 2025
Average price of rice down in Japan for third straight week
The average price decreased for the third consecutive week, but remained above ¥4,000 for the fifth week in a row.
The milk-based "horchata" beverage is usually drunk cold, but you can choose to enjoy it warm this season.
LIFE / Food & Drink / The Recipe Box
Oct 8, 2025
Roasted green tea gets a milky makeover
The fragrant brew works well in a “horchata,” a lightly spiced, milk-based drink that offers a comforting sip this season.
Rice that was about to be illegally imported, seized at the container inspection center of the Osaka Customs Nanko Branch Office on Aug. 8 in Osaka Prefecture
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Oct 7, 2025
Osaka couple arrested for attempting to import rice illegally
The suspects are alleged to have tried to import some 45 tons of rice from Vietnam, claiming it as mung beans.
Haruo Tsukamoto, a rank-and-file member of the Liberal Democratic Party and a rice farmer in Ibaraki Prefecture, questions if the party still stands for people like him.
JAPAN / Politics
Oct 2, 2025
The party that ruled Japan for decades is in danger of crumbling
Long-time supporters are questioning if the Liberal Democratic Party still stands for them even as populist and far-right challengers make inroads.
Hidehisa Shinohara sells new rice harvested this year at his rice milling shop in Tokyo.
JAPAN
Sep 25, 2025
Japan rice prices turn higher despite arrival of new crop
The average price at supermarkets across Japan stood at ¥4,275 per 5 kilograms, up for three consecutive weeks.
A farmer harvests rice with a combine harvester in a paddy field in Otawara, Tochigi Prefecture, last month.
JAPAN
Sep 19, 2025
Rice demand for year through June estimated to be up to 7.1 million tons
2025’s staple rice production is forecast at between 7.28 million and 7.45 million tons, surpassing the initial estimate of 6.69 million tons for 2024.
Rice farmer Toru Wakui in his rice paddies in Ogata, Akita Prefecture, in August
JAPAN / FOCUS
Sep 17, 2025
For Japan’s rice growers, postwar policy shifts yet to deliver stable future
Amid renewed tightness in supply and a spike in prices, officials have been urging farmers to plant more, marking yet another reversal in Japan’s 80 years of agricultural policy.
Uruguay federation reportedly cancels charter flight after World Cup exit
Uruguay&#039;s Jose Maria Gimenez reacts after the team&#039;s loss against Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday.
Inside Japan’s rigid adoption system, a British family finds a way
James Benstead, his wife, Jesse, and their three children. Their adopted son is in the rear stroller.
India’s gig workers pay the price for exposure to New Delhi’s hazardous air
Rohit Kushwaha waits for a customer as he delivers his last parcel of the day, in New Delhi in January. His work as a delivery driver has helped pay the family’s bills, but has had a significant impact on his health.
Life inside Japan’s largest prison for women
Western-style rooms spanning the size of four tatami mats with hardwood floors, a toilet and soft mattresses on bed frames are designated for foreign nationals and those with health conditions at Tochigi Prison.
Yen hits 40-year low against the dollar, breaking ¥162 level
Japan&#039;s currency broke ¥162 to the dollar on Tuesday in Tokyo.
Japan’s fertility system offers few safe paths for same-sex couples
A Tokyo Pride parade participant holds a sign that says "we want to be a married couple, not a couple."
Life inside Japan’s largest prison for women
Western-style rooms spanning the size of four tatami mats with hardwood floors, a toilet and soft mattresses on bed frames are designated for foreign nationals and those with health conditions at Tochigi Prison.
Inside Japan’s rigid adoption system, a British family finds a way
James Benstead, his wife, Jesse, and their three children. Their adopted son is in the rear stroller.
A French ship with close ties to Japan combines arts and sciences on the high seas
Romain Troublé, the executive director of Tara Ocean Foundation, speaks to visitors aboard the Tara during a rare port call in Tokyo in April.
In Kyushu’s far south, Senti.U sparks a culinary destination
Chef Yasuhiko Uchida was born in Saga Prefecture but has made his home in Kanoya, Kagoshima Prefecture, since 2012.

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