Japan’s Budget-Friendly Stockpiled Rice Makes Its Store Debut

May 31, 2025

Japanese governmental reserves of rice, which were distributed via direct agreements with stores, started appearing on supermarket shelves Saturday as throngs of shoppers rushed to purchase the more affordable options.

The major supermarket chain Ito-Yokado Co. and the home appliances firm Iris Ohyama Inc. were among the pioneers in retailing this rice, initially offering it at select outlets for 2,160 yen ($15), which includes tax, per 5-kilogram bag.

In Tokyo’s Ota Ward, an Ito-Yokado outlet saw all 500 bags of rice sell out within half an hour after opening at 10 a.m. More Ito-Yokado locations plan to begin selling this rice either on Sunday or sometime afterward.

At a home center run by an Iris Ohyama group company in Sendai, located in northeast Japan, approximately 250 individuals formed a queue before 8 a.m., braving the rain, to obtain numbered tickets for buying the rice.

“The price is low, which makes it easier for me,” noted Mitsuko Matsuuro, aged 71. She expressed satisfaction at being able to buy the rice. Additionally, she mentioned that its flavor wasn’t much different compared to freshly harvested rice.

A 82-year-old man expressed his disappointment at being unable to complete his purchase. He mentioned, “Our family consists of five people, which makes things challenging. I hope to return and get (the rice) next time.”

To help curb the rising cost of rice that has impacted many families, the Japanese government started offering its reserves for sale directly to retailers earlier this week via contractual agreements.

The subject of the direct contracts involves 300,000 tons of rice sourced from 2021 and 2022.

Ito-Yokado acquired 5,000 tons, and Iris Ohyama obtained 10,000 tons of the 2022 harvest. The large supermarket corporation Aeon Co., along with the discount retailer Don Quijote, plans to begin selling their purchased supplies starting this coming Sunday.

Initially, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries provided reserved rice via auctions. However, they changed their approach to direct sales to retailers with the expectation that this method would prove more efficient in controlling rice prices.

Article Categories:
commerce · economics · government · retail · rice

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