https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-went-from-a-rice-shortage-to-a-rice-surplus-in-two-years-due-to-drought-tourism-and-the-u-sContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-went-from-a-rice-shortage-to-a-rice-surplus-in-two-years-due-to-drought-tourism-and-the-u-shttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-went-from-a-rice-shortage-to-a-rice-surplus-in-two-years-due-to-drought-tourism-and-the-u-s#u91727Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:36:13 +0000Japan 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 mattersThe 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 res