Published: Jul 16, 2025, 20:59 IST | Updated: Jul 16, 2025, 20:59 IST
Rice, a staple in Japan and an integral part of the country’s culture, tradition and politics, has turned into a pain point for the nation. A rice crisis has gripped the nation for nearly a year with soaring prices and empty supermarket shelves, but it is showing tentative signs of easing. New data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries revealed that average rice prices fell below the psychologically significant 4,000-yen mark for the first time since early March, offering hope to consumers long frustrated by the soaring cost of a dietary staple.