Rice Shortage Triggers Price Hike in Packaged Rice Products

TOKYO, Sep 06 (News On Japan) - The shortage of rice is causing prices to increase, and this is affecting packaged rice products, which are known for their long shelf life.

JA Zen-Noh (National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations) announced that it will raise the prices of its packaged rice, sold online and at some supermarkets, starting with shipments on November 1st.

The rise in costs is driven by the ongoing high prices of fuel and raw materials, combined with the current rice shortage, which has led to a surge in the price of raw rice.

The price increase is expected to be around 10 to 13% of the suggested retail price. Some products that are no longer profitable will be discontinued.

Sato Foods has also announced that starting in December, all of its 'Sato no Gohan' packaged rice products will see a price hike.

Source: ANN

Japanese Astronaut Onishi Becomes ISS Commander

Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi has been appointed commander of the International Space Station (ISS), becoming the third Japanese to assume the role.

World’s Longest 150-Meter Rail Departs for Hokkaido on Freight Train

Transportation of a 150-meter railway rail—the longest in the world—manufactured at a steelworks in Kitakyushu City, began on April 18th. The rail will be delivered to Hokkaido over the course of about four days for use in the Hokkaido Shinkansen extension project.

Japan Obesity Society Warns Against Women's Desire To Be Thin

The Japan Society for the Study of Obesity has issued a warning about the health risks of excessive thinness and poor nutrition among women, positioning what it calls 'women's underweight and malnutrition syndrome' as a newly recognized health condition.

Why Are Japan’s Street Ramen Stalls Vanishing?

Once a familiar and comforting presence on urban streets, Japan's cherished ramen stalls are quietly fading away as stricter regulations, an aging workforce, and evolving consumer preferences make their survival increasingly difficult.

Bear Sinks Teeth Into Live Deer as Tourists Watch From Hotel Window

A bear attacking a live deer outside a hotel in Kamikawa, Hokkaido, has shocked onlookers and prompted heightened alert from local authorities.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Hokkaido City Thrives on Rapidus 2nm Semiconductor Launch

Rapidus has begun operating a trial production line for cutting-edge 2-nanometer semiconductors this month at its plant in Chitose, Hokkaido. The launch marks a major milestone for Japan’s domestic semiconductor ambitions and has triggered a surge in land prices, new developments, and an influx of related companies into the city.

Consumer Prices Rise 2.7% in Fiscal 2024, Third Year Above 2%

Consumer prices in Japan rose by an average of 2.7% in fiscal 2024, marking the third consecutive year of inflation above 2%—a stretch not seen since the bubble economy era. But despite similar inflation figures, consumer sentiment today is far less optimistic.

World's First Eco-Friendly Aviation Fuel Factory Begins Full Operation

A factory that converts discarded tempura oil into jet fuel using a world-first method has officially begun full-scale operations in Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture.

SoftBank Launches 65 Billion Yen AI Data Center Project in Hokkaido

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 15th in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, for one of Japan's largest data centers, which is scheduled for completion in fiscal 2026.

Rice Disappears from Store Shelves as Prices Top 6,000 Yen

Rice prices in Japan have surged dramatically, with 5-kilogram bags now commonly priced in the 3,000 to 4,000 yen range and in some cases exceeding 6,000 yen including tax. This price surge has caught consumers off guard, and supermarkets are experiencing both high prices and shortages.

Who Chose Espinosa as Nissan's New CEO?

Nissan’s new president, 46-year-old Ivan Espinosa, may symbolize change for the struggling automaker. However, his appointment raises eyebrows: Espinosa previously served as head of product planning—a role directly tied to the decline in the company’s brand appeal.

Behind the Expo: Business Talks Hold the Key to Success

While the purpose of World Expositions has evolved over time, the 2020 Dubai Expo hosted 98 business events, drawing over 25,000 participants from more than 130 countries, both in-person and online. Events covered themes like space and medicine, offering opportunities for companies to hold negotiations.

Mitsubishi Pauses U.S. Deliveries Over Fears of Trump Tariff Fallout

Mitsubishi Motors has suspended shipments of new vehicles to its dealerships in the United States, citing uncertainty over the impact of new U.S. tariffs on imported cars imposed by the Trump administration.

< 2 3 4 5 >