Amid resurging rice prices in Japan, officials in the newly elected government are considering distributing 'rice tickets' to make the staple grain more affordable for certain households. Farm Minister Norikazu Suzuki said they are already responding with priority support grants for local governments and will consider further assistance.
Japan is grappling with rising prices, particularly the recent resurgence in rice costs, prompting the new cabinet to search for effective policies. Officials are considering the distribution of 'rice tickets' under the newly elected government's approach to make the nation's staple grain more affordable for certain households.
'Regarding rice tickets, we are already responding using the priority support grant for local governments in regions that need it,' said Norikazu Suzuki, the new farm minister appointed under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government. 'We will consider providing further assistance as part of our measures to address rising prices, including in these regions.'
These rice tickets are vouchers issued by organizations such as the national federation of rice wholesalers (Zenbeihan) and the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations (Zen-Noh). They have been distributed for decades and typically offer coupons worth ¥440 each that can be used to purchase rice. This initiative highlights ongoing efforts in food security and agriculture support, though specific implementation details remain unclear. Keywords include food, rice, agriculture, MAFF, and Osaka.