Japan's Private Rice Imports Skyrocket 104-Fold Amid Soaring Domestic Prices

A staggering 104-fold surge in private-sector rice imports is shaking up Japan's famously protected market. According to Nikkei, the unprecedented increase this year stems from steep prices for domestic rice, which have made foreign-grown varieties profitable for importers even after paying hefty import tariffs.

When Tariffs Are No Longer Enough

The core driver behind this import boom is the punishing cost of homegrown rice. Nikkei reports that a combination of poor harvests from record heatwaves and rising production costs has sent domestic prices soaring. This has created a rare economic opening where importing rice is a viable business. For instance, California-grown Calrose rice is now appearing on the shelves of major retailers like Aeon in Sapporo—a sight that was nearly unthinkable in previous years.

A Test for Food Security and Politics

This isn't just a market fluctuation; it's a direct challenge to Japan's long-standing food security doctrine. Rice has been the cornerstone of the nation's push for food self-sufficiency, and this import surge exposes vulnerabilities in that system. The rice price shock is also creating a political headache for Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru ahead of a looming election, Nikkei Asia notes, as soaring food costs are a top concern for voters.