Japan Turns to South Korea for Rice Amid Domestic Shortage

Japan has imported rice from South Korea for the first time in 25 years. This decision comes in response to a domestic shortage and skyrocketing prices. The price of Japan-grown rice has more than doubled in the past year. Despite the heavy tariffs on imports, the demand for cheaper foreign rice has surged.

South Korea sent two tonnes of rice to Japan last month. The country plans to ship another 20 tonnes soon. This marks the first rice shipment from South Korea since 1999. Japan has traditionally been skeptical about foreign rice. However, the current crisis has forced consumers to embrace imported grains.

Arata Hirano, a Tokyo restaurant owner, switched to American rice last year. He cited the steep rise in the price of domestic rice. Although the price of Californian rice has also doubled, it remains more affordable than Japan-grown rice. Hirano’s customers have not complained about the change. One diner, Miki Nihei, even admitted that she did not realize the rice wasn’t Japanese. She said, “Prices have gone up, so I’m always looking for cheaper options.”

In response to the crisis, Japan’s government dipped into its rice reserves. In March, it released 210,000 tonnes of stockpiled rice to help control prices. However, logistical problems delayed distribution. As of the end of March, only a small fraction of the stockpile had reached supermarkets. The Ministry of Agriculture blamed delivery vehicle shortages and preparation delays.

The rice shortage stems from several factors. The 2023 crop was severely impacted by record-breaking summer heat. Additionally, increased rice consumption due to rising tourism has strained supplies. Panic buying following typhoon and earthquake warnings further exacerbated the issue.

The rising cost of rice is making it increasingly difficult for consumers to afford this staple. This has led to a shift in how Japanese people view imported rice. As the crisis continues, Japan is expected to rely more on foreign imports to meet demand. This trend has sparked broader concerns about food security in the country.