Japan’s rice problem shows no signs of resolving anytime soon. A year ago, according to news reports, 5 kilograms of rice cost around 2,100 yen ($14). It’s now over 4,000 yen ($26) – almost double in price. As a result, many people are switching to cheaper imported rice. Others are swearing off rice at all, accelerating the “rice flight” that I wrote about way back in 2019.
Amidst the hubbub, one X user who lives in the US, @minmidesu, reported that she found Toyama Prefecture-manufactured rice in a local store selling for $19.99. In other words, the price increases hitting the US seemingly haven’t hit the states.
First, it’s worth noting that there have been multiple reports like this. In many cases, people are posting pictures of “Japanese rice” that are, in fact, grown in California and sold under a Japanese brand’s label. The rice above, however, is clearly part of the less than 7,000 tons that Japan exports to the states. (Japan’s rice exports remain low. The country actually consumes more rice than it produces.)
The bags above, however, are clearly Made in Japan rice. So what’s with the price differential?
