Japan's rice policy stands at a crossroads as prices for the staple food remain at record highs, straining households. In August 2025, then-Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba declared a shift to boost production, but his successor Sanae Takaichi reversed this in October, opting to keep output aligned with demand.
Japan's rice prices have stayed around record highs, squeezing household budgets and placing the government's longstanding rice policy at a critical crossroads.
In August 2025, then-Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced a policy change, stating, "We'll change course and boost production." This declared a shift from the previous approach of maintaining production adjustments.
Ishiba's successor, Sanae Takaichi, who took office as prime minister in October, quickly reversed this decision. Her policy aims to keep production in line with demand.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and figures like Norikazu Suzuki play key roles in this agricultural landscape. With prices continuing to burden consumers, the policy's future direction remains uncertain.