US Edition
Japan rice prices double, raising pressure on PM
JAPAN, JUL 18 – Rice prices in Japan surged nearly 100% year-on-year due to poor harvests, panic buying, and trade tensions, intensifying political challenges ahead of July 20 elections.
- On July 18, 2025, rice prices in Japan soared 99.2% in June year-on-year, putting pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ahead of elections this weekend.
- Factors behind the surge include shortages from an intensely hot and dry summer two years ago and panic buying in 2024 after a government warning about a potential `megaquake`.
- Consumer prices excluding energy and fresh food rose 3.4% in June, while rice costs rocketed 101% in May after climbing 98.4% in April and 92.5% in March.
- Public support for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has tumbled to its lowest level since he took office in October, while opinion polls ahead of Sunday's election suggest his ruling coalition may lose its upper house majority.
- Japan is under additional pressure to reach a trade deal with the United States before new 25% tariffs take effect on Aug 1, and US President Donald Trump threatened that Japan would `pay 30%, 35%, or whatever the number is that we determine`.
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