Japan‘s Agriculture Minister Taku Eto has faced backlash after boasting about his plentiful supply of free rice, saying, “I’ve never bought rice. I have so much in my pantry from my supporters that I could probably sell it.” These comments have struck a nerve with the public, who are struggling with rising rice prices in stores.
The price of rice in Japan varies, with costs ranging from $1.95 to $19.47 per kilogram, or $0.88 to $8.83 per pound. As of January 2025, the price of long grain white rice in Japan was around $5.05 per kilogram, compared to $2.10 in 80 other countries.
Rice prices in Japan have been volatile over the years, influenced by factors like weather conditions and global market trends. In June 2023, the price for 60 kilograms of unpolished rice reached Â¥15,865, a 14% increase from the previous year, marking the highest level in 11 years. This surge was partly due to last year’s high temperatures, which reduced rice quality and led to lower stocks.
In response to the controversy, Eto acknowledged that his comments were inconsiderate, given the financial strain many households are facing due to rising prices. The incident highlights the disconnect between government officials and the general public, who are grappling with increasing costs of essential commodities like rice.
Japan’s agriculture minister’s recent comments about rice have sparked controversy amid soaring prices, with many households struggling to cope with the financial strain. The price of rice in Japan varies, ranging from $1.95 to $19.47 per kilogram for long grain white rice and $4.31 to $7.19 per kilogram for brown rice. Factors contributing to the surge include poor harvests caused by natural disasters and abnormal heat, with prices rising 28.3% in August 2024 compared to the previous year, the largest increase in 49 years.
Additionally, newly harvested rice prices surged 48% in September 2024 due to production costs and market demand following supply shortages. As a result, government officials are under pressure to better understand the struggles of the general public.