Japan Sells 5kg Bag of Rice for Nearly 200 RMB: Government Announces Production Cut Amid High Prices

Latest data shows the average retail price for a 5kg bag of rice in Japan has reached 4,235 yen (approximately 200 RMB), with some new-harvest 5kg rice products even exceeding 5,000 yen. Despite persistently high prices, the Japanese government recently announced it will implement a rice production reduction policy starting next year. Research institutions indicate that Japan "does not actually face a rice shortage," but rather exhibits delayed price adjustments. A genuine price decline would require two consecutive years of oversupply.

Analysis points out that Japan's rice demand has significantly contracted due to population decline and dietary diversification. Expanding cultivation would lead to increased inventory, oversupply, and price drops. The government maintains that moderate production control is a necessary measure to "stabilize farmers' income." However, this rationale has not gained widespread acceptance and has sparked criticism from various quarters. Experts note that abnormal climate conditions, rising fuel costs, coupled with inconsistent government policies。