

Japan’s Recent Rice Price Crisis
Jun 1, 2025
In May 2025, Japan faced a shocking rice price spike, with costs doubling in just a year. The government had to release emergency rice stocks to stabilize the market. Surprisingly, supermarkets began selling imported rice, including the controversial Calrose from the U.S. The discussion digs deep into the historical shifts in rice production and consumption policies, highlighting challenges from climate change and inefficiencies in agriculture. Ultimately, the episode uncovers the complex web of policies impacting food security and self-sufficiency in Japan.
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Japan's Small-Scale Rice Farming
- Japan's rice farming is kept deliberately small-scale due to post-WWII land reforms favoring farmer ownership.
- This restricts economies of scale and modern farming practices, affecting efficiency and output.
Shift in Japan's Rice Consumption
- Rice consumption in Japan has halved since 1962, shifting dietary calories to fats, dairy, and meat.
- This decline combined with production efficiency gains created persistent rice surpluses.
Gentan System Controls Supply
- Japan limits rice production with the Gentan system and tariffs, keeping farming inefficient yet sustainable.
- This control supports part-time farmers but raises consumer prices and stifles reform.