On May 26, the Japanese government formally admitted that overestimating the domestic rice supply, along with a delayed response in grasping the situation and releasing emergency reserves, were key factors leading to the recent severe rice crisis.
According to a government report, authorities miscalculated the amount of rice available on the market, resulting in a failure to implement necessary intervention measures in a timely manner. This delay tightened supply, drove rice prices higher, and created difficulties for consumers.
Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries acknowledged that it had not kept up with market developments and had not promptly managed the national emergency reserves. The crisis has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the country's food security management. The government is now considering reforming the reserve mechanism and market oversight to prevent a recurrence.
