Japan rice prices dip below key threshold

Data from the agriculture ministry in Tokyo shows that rice sold at around 1,000 supermarkets averaged JPY3,980 per 5kg in the week to March 15, down JPY33 from the previous week. The decline marks a fifth consecutive weekly fall in rice prices and is the first drop below the JPY4,000 level since August, 2025.

Prices had briefly slipped under the threshold last year following the release of government stockpiles, before almost immediately rebounding as the newly harvested rice crop entered distribution. The subsequent rise was later driven by significant increases in advance payments from agricultural cooperatives to farmers. More recently, however, rice supply conditions have softened. This was, in part the result of the 2025 rice harvest exceeding demand, which contributed to downward pressure on prices.

As of March 26, the average price of lower-cost blended rice fell by JPY54 to JPY3,701 per 5kg, Meanwhile, brand Japanese rice, including 2025 harvests, declined by JPY25 to JPY4,089.