TOKYO - The Japanese government will begin selling its stockpile of rice directly to major retailers, aiming to put 5-kilogram bags on supermarket shelves for around 2,000 yen (before tax) as early as early June, Agriculture Minister Koizumi announced on Monday.
Targeting retailers that handle at least 10,000 tons of rice annually, the government plans to release 300,000 tons initially across fiscal years 2022 and 2023, with no upper limit if demand requires expansion. The rice will be sold at a tax-excluded wholesale price of 10,700 yen per 60 kilograms, translating to a retail price of around 2,000 yen (or about 2,160 yen with tax) per 5-kilogram bag. Distribution to stores is expected to begin in early June.
Unlike previous programs, retailers will not be required to buy back unsold rice. Koizumi emphasized that this approach reflects a political decision made out of urgency and a strong determination to alleviate public concern over food costs. Messages of support from major retailers have already been received, and the government hopes the initiative will prevent further consumer drift away from rice due to high prices.
To reinforce the effort, a new task force of about 40 ministry officials—backed by 500 personnel nationwide—has been launched under the direct supervision of the administrative vice minister. Koizumi called on the team to work with urgency, stating that delivering affordable and high-quality rice to consumers as soon as possible is the ministry’s top priority. If the current measures prove insufficient, the structure will be further strengthened.
Source: Kyodo
