Amount of rice bought by Japan households up despite soaring prices

“Let them eat cake!”

What Japan choice to eat? Even cabbage price going up, what JGovt has been done about it.

https://unseen-japan.com/cabbage-japan-prices-rising/

https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/1hvqqfg/cabbage_price_skyrocket_all_of_a_sudden/

.

At least this time Japan just don't blame to foreigners.

Bought a box of brown and jasmine rice for 2.46

Are Kokuho or Cal Rose brands sold in Japan?

At least this time Japan just don't blame to foreigners.

Oh don't worry. They will.

Gyomu Super used to sell Cal Rose. I don’t buy rice regularly, but a few weeks ago, I took a good look and noticed that it was either sold out or no longer available.

Rice in our local stores is ¥5,000/5Kg. I am happy last October I bought 30 kg for ¥8,500.

Rice should not be eaten everyday,rice contain level of arsenic, Japanese probably got high level of cesium

I wish more types of rice were freely available in Japan.

Japonica is fine for sushi, onigiri and don but not really suitable for for many other rice dishes.

Plain rice can go straight in the bin if there is no condiments to drown it in imho.

A bowl of white rice is the equivalent of a slice of white bread to me. A bland glucouse hit and nothing more.

How about reducing the 700% tariff on rice imports?!

Then, the consumers (Taros & Keikos) can have an actual choice!

Meanwhile, it's a good time to go on a no-rice diet!

How about reducing the 700% tariff on rice imports?! Then, the consumers (Taros & Keikos) can have an actual choice!

That is just too hard for the some unfathomable reason only the government knows.

Ummm that’s probably because people wee freaking out that rice was running out. Not a justification for higher prices!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rice should not be eaten everyday,rice contain level of arsenic, Japanese probably got high level of cesium

That is not true in general. Arsenic based pesticides were banned in the US some 30 years ago but rices grown in some US states like Texas and Arkansas have high arsenic levels due to heavy use of pesticides on cotton crops grown on those same fields in years past. The arsenic residue remains in the soil. Rice from India, Pakistan and California have the lowest levels of arsenic of all rices. California has a unique form of rice agriculture with laser leveled fields, very little water and rice planted densely from the air. The rice is so dense weeds cannot grow and thus herbicide and pesticide use after initial planting is not necessary.

What's interesting is if you buy long grain "Texmati" rice from Texas or Arkansas the bag is full of weevils. California rice has no bugs in the bag and the rice requires fewer rinses before cooking.

How about reducing the 700% tariff on rice imports?! Then, the consumers (Taros & Keikos) can have an actual choice!

That is just too hard for the some unfathomable reason only the government knows.

It is to protect rice agriculture in Japan. It's a food security matter. The Japanese government fear Japan being without food basics in a crisis but also know that foreign rice is a lot less expensive. Allowing it to be sold in Japan without a tariff would drive Japanese rice farmers out of business. At least that is the Japanese government view as I understand it.

In the 1990s the US Embassy would hose big trade fairs to show off US products in Japan. Every year the California delegation would bring examples of their high quality rices including Japonica rices, and every year Japanese authorities would expel the California delegation. It was like a ritual that went on for years. The US Embassy would protest but the protests would fall on deaf ears.

In the 1990s the US Embassy would hose big trade fairs to show off US products in Japan.

In the 1990s the US Embassy would host big trade fairs to show off US products in Japan.

whoops, sorry

That is just too hard for the some unfathomable reason only the government knows.

It is to protect rice agriculture in Japan. It's a food security matter. The Japanese government fear Japan being without food basics in a crisis but also know that foreign rice is a lot less expensive. Allowing it to be sold in Japan without a tariff would drive Japanese rice farmers out of business. At least that is the Japanese government view as I understand it.

Absolutely right, that was just a rhetorical.

In the 1990s the US Embassy would hose big trade fairs to show off US products in Japan. Every year the California delegation would bring examples of their high quality rices including Japonica rices, and every year Japanese authorities would expel the California delegation. It was like a ritual that went on for years. The US Embassy would protest but the protests would fall on deaf ears.

Didn't know about this, talk about in your face protectionism.

YrralToday  09:06 am JST

Rice should not be eaten everyday,rice contain level of arsenic, Japanese probably got high level of cesium

Yea, after 2000 years you'd think they would know this. Must be why why they don't live so long. SMH...

Seems no shortage.

But because of the artificial shortage dealers were able to sell rice from and around fukushima, and at top prices too.

Before the "shortage" I rarely see those on supermarket shelves and if at all, prices were among the lowest.

I buy calrose from gyomu. Be early if anyone wants some

But because of the artificial shortage dealers

Speculation dealers should get penalty for making a shortage.

Companies hoarding rice for a quick profit should be prosecuted.

Bought a box of brown and jasmine rice for 2.46

2.46 what?

Wonder why Japonica rice costs so much more per pound than other varieties, even in the U.S. Whether sold at supermarkets, warehouse clubs, Asian food stores, or military commissaries, it always seems to be so.

Panic buying in effect

Rice should not be eaten everyday,rice contain level of arsenic, Japanese probably got high level of cesium

This will explain the really short life expectancy in Japan.

I rather think that’s the definition of ‘staple’.

Consumers, clearly feel anxiety over the future, hence the stockpiling. Happens a lot in Japan.

Let's hope Japan's Govt. due to pressure from Trump Admin April 2nd 'reciprocal' tariffs decide to open up market with FAR Lower rice tariffs, now at an insane 700%!

Japan imports 350,000 tons of tariff-free US rice.

Most in Japan would far prefer to be able to buy far cheaper rice, while most of the few remaining rice farmers would rather sell their premium product to the highest $bidders whether in Japan or abroad.

Time for the Govt. to listen to the will of the people for a change, high tariffs are the cause of ridiculously high rice prices hurting most Japanese consumers.

Which is why prices will never, ever go down again.

when "soaring prices" had been rapidly caused was from about autumn 2024, And into this year, it became over twice of price this time last year.

Rice is best served with a curry on top. Tasteless otherwise.