Japan Faces Three More Weeks of Rice Shortages

TOKYO, Aug 20 (News On Japan) - The ongoing scarcity of rice in supermarkets across Japan has left many wondering why shelves are bare despite government assurances that there is no overall supply crisis.

The current situation is the result of several overlapping factors: extreme heat, changes in distribution channels, and consumer behavior. While the official data shows a stable rice production index of 101, indicating normal production levels, the reality is that the high temperatures have led to a decline in quality, making much of the rice unsuitable for the usual consumer market.

Additionally, Japan’s rice distribution has changed significantly since the deregulation of the market. While large supermarkets used to rely on central wholesalers, many now purchase directly from farmers or through small distributors. This shift has made it difficult to secure large, consistent supplies, leading to the current scarcity.

Experts advise consumers not to panic. In about three weeks, new rice from major producing regions will start to hit the market, which should ease the current shortage. It’s important to remember that the current situation is temporary and that rice supplies are expected to return to normal levels soon.

In the meantime, consumers are encouraged to avoid stockpiling, which could worsen the situation. The government continues to monitor the situation closely and assures the public that there is no long-term threat to the rice supply.

Source: MBS

Middle East Tensions Push Up Prices of Cooking Oil and Fish

Rising tensions in the Middle East are beginning to affect not only fuel and transportation costs, but also the prices of everyday foods ranging from cooking oil and fish to onions, with experts warning that the impact could continue for at least another year even if fighting comes to an end.

Japan's Business Manager Visa Applications Plunge 96%

Applications for Japan’s "Business Manager" residency status, which is granted to foreign entrepreneurs launching businesses in the country, have fallen by approximately 96% following the tightening of screening standards introduced in October last year.

Sacred Pilgrimage Site Asks Visitors Not to Wear Revealing Clothing

Koyasan, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Wakayama Prefecture that has seen a steady rise in visitors from both Japan and overseas in recent years, is urging worshippers to avoid wearing revealing clothing as the summer season approaches, as temple authorities seek to preserve the dignity and spiritual atmosphere of one of Japan’s most revered religious centers.

Japanese Passenger Aboard Cruise Ship as Andes Hantavirus Cases Confirmed

A cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean with a Japanese passenger on board has become the center of a widening international health response, as multiple countries confirm infections linked to a rare strain of hantavirus capable of limited human-to-human transmission.

Vacant Homes With 110 Heirs

The number of vacant homes across Japan has surpassed 9 million—roughly double the figure from 30 years ago—yet efforts to address the issue are being held back by increasingly complex inheritance cases that make resolution difficult.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Toyota First Japanese Company to Crack 50 Trillion Yen Mark

Toyota Motor has become the first Japanese company to surpass 50 trillion yen in annual revenue, although the automaker expects profits to decline this fiscal year due to the impact of Middle East tensions and U.S. tariff policies.

Japan’s National Debt Hits Record High for 10th Straight Year

Japan’s so-called “national debt,” which includes government bonds, borrowings and other liabilities, reached 1,343.8426 trillion yen as of the end of March, marking a record high for the 10th consecutive year, the Finance Ministry announced.

Discount Supermarkets Push Up Prices

A discount supermarket chain known for its ultra-low prices has raised the price of kaiware radish sprouts for the first time in 34 years, as worsening tensions in the Middle East continue to drive up oil-related costs and disrupt supplies of plastic products across Japan.

Japan’s Real Wages Rise for Third Straight Month in March

Japan’s real wages in March rose for the third consecutive month, supported by continued growth in base salaries and a slowdown in inflation, according to data released by the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry.

Nikkei Soars by Record 3,320, Closes Above 62,000 for First Time

The Nikkei 225 surged sharply in Tokyo trading on May 7th, rising more than 3,300 points to close at 62,833.84 yen, marking both the largest gain in its history and the first time the index has finished in the 62,000 range, as buying orders spread rapidly from the opening bell following the Golden Week holidays and continued to build throughout the session.

Mass Crackdown Targets Street Vendors Around Ameyoko

Nearly 1,500 businesses, including restaurants, have come under scrutiny as authorities move to address a growing issue in Ameyoko, one of Japan’s busiest shopping streets, where eateries have been expanding onto public roads without permits, prompting a crackdown by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.

Vacant Homes With 110 Heirs

Japan Weighs 1% Food Tax Cut

A proposal to eliminate Japan’s consumption tax on food for two years, long promoted by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is facing complications, with a reduced 1% tax option now gaining traction within the government due to technical constraints that could delay full implementation.

< 2 3 4 5 >