Japan went from a rice shortage to a rice surplus in two years, due to drought, tourism and the U.S.

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   Japan shifts from rice shortage to record surplus in two years

   Japan faced a rice shortage in 2024 due to drought and heat, which nearly doubled prices to ¥4,300 a bag. However, by 2026, the country had a record rice surplus. The government has begun buying rice from the market to curb further price declines and replenish depleted reserves. This fluctuation has surprised experts, with some attributing it to factors such as tourism and US exports.

   Why it matters

   The rapid shift in Japan's rice market has significant implications for the country's food security and economy. The shortage in 2024 was severe enough to force a government minister to resign. The current surplus has prompted the government to intervene in the market to support farmers and stabilize prices. Japan's rice market is closely watched due to its importance in the country's culture and diet.

   What is confirmed

   • Japan went from a rice shortage to a rice surplus in two years
   • A drought-driven shortage in 2024 nearly doubled prices to ¥4,300 a bag
   • The shortage in 2024 forced a government minister to resign
   • Japan had a record rice surplus in 2026
   • The government has begun buying rice from the market to curb further price declines and replenish depleted reserves

   Still unconfirmed

   • The fluctuation has been attributed to factors such as tourism and US exports

   What to watch next

   • The government's continued intervention in the rice market
   • The impact of the surplus on Japan's food security and economy
   • The future prices of rice in Japan
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. fortune.com — Japan went from a rice shortage to a rice surplus in two years, due to drought, tourism and the U.S.
   2. finance.biggo.com — Nagano Prefecture Koshihikari Advance Payment Slashed 41% to ¥16,730, Bringing Relief to Japanese Consumers
   3. The Japan Times — Appropriate prices top focus for new agriculture minister
   4. thetimes.com — Japan is struggling — rice and noodles can explain why
   5. ua.news — Japan went from a rice shortage to a record surplus in two years — Fortune
   6. fortune.com — Japan went from a rice shortage to a rice surplus in two ...
   7. ricenewstoday.com — Japan went from a rice shortage to a record surplus in two ...
   8. vcptrading.com — Japan went from a rice shortage to a rice surplus in two ...
   9. ua.news — Japan went from a rice shortage to a record surplus in two ...
   10. dispatchtimes.com — Japan’s rice shortage turns to surplus in two years
   11. www.newsbeep.com — Japan went from a rice shortage to a rice surplus in two ...
   confidence 85%