A political crisis in Japan has the potential to topple Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s minority administration. Like in most East Asian nations, rice is a staple grain for the Japanese, and its rising price is the root of the dilemma.
The costs have increased by almost 90% in a single year. The well-known Koshihikari brand now costs 5,000 yen, or $35, for 5 kg. The price of other types of rice is 4,200 yen, or $29, for 5 kg. The Ishiba government handled the crisis quite awkwardly. “We don’t know why we haven’t been able to drive down costs,” Prime Minister Ishiba said in a speech to the legislature.
Since many of his fans sent him rice as gifts, Agricultural Minister Taku Eto said he “never had to buy rice,” which forced him to step down. The price of rice did not stabilise despite the government’s attempts to sell its supplies. It is evident that shortages, most likely brought on by an exceptionally hot summer and a subpar harvest in 2023, are the reason for the soaring price of rice.
Because most restaurants serve rice as a speciality dish for tourists, demand for the grain has increased. This demand continues to rise as more tourists visit the area, and prices skyrocket when there is a shortage of rice.
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