Japan Imports Rice from South Korea After 25 Years Amid Growing Supply Crisis

Japan had imported rice from South Korea for the first time in over two decades in a bid to appease growing public discontent and declining domestic rice supplies. The first-ever move involved importing two tons of South Korean rice into Japan in December—the last time any such imports had been made being in 1999, according to local media.

In spite of efforts by the government to contain inflation and reduce the shopping burden, the domestically produced rice is still on the rise. Foreign substitutes, however expensive with hefty tariffs, are thus slowly becoming increasingly popular.

Imports Still Minimal, But More Inbound Soon

Currently, the quantity of imported rice is still minimal, and only two tonnes are supplied through supermarkets and internet channels. However, public broadcaster NHK reported that an additional 20 tonnes will arrive soon.

This comes as domestic rice prices have risen more than double what they did at the same time last year, prompting consumers and businesses alike to turn to foreign sources.

Shifting Tastes: Japanese Consumers Embrace Imported Rice

Japanese consumers have traditionally been hesitant to accept foreign rice varieties. A case in point was in 1993 when bulk imports of Thai rice—imported after an unusually chilly summer—were largely unsold due to taste.

But the crisis is altering the mindset of the public. South Korea‘s rice shipments to Japan soon could approach record levels since 1990, Yonhap news agency reported. The situation also presents potential opportunities to US rice farmers.

Restaurants Turn to Foreign Rice as Prices Rise

In Tokyo, restaurant owner Arata Hirano changed from American to Japanese rice last year due to a domestic shortage that sent prices soaring into the stratosphere. Even though Californian rice has doubled in price since then, Hirano explained it was still more affordable than Japanese rice.

“I had no idea,” said diner Miki Nihei after learning she had eaten imported rice. “I have no qualms about eating imported rice. Prices have gone up, so I’m always looking for cheaper options.”

Government Releases Stockpiled Rice But Faces Delivery Challenges

As part of attempts to control prices, 210,000 tonnes of rice were released by the Japanese government from its strategic reserve in March. This was an unusual intervention, as it tried to solve problems of distribution rather than natural disaster or crop failures.

But the impact has been contained. In the week to April 6, supermarket rice prices had risen to an average of ¥4,214 ($30/£22) per 5kg bag—more than double the level a year earlier.

Distribution of stockpiles of rice to supermarkets has been hampered by bottlenecks in logistics, the agriculture ministry said. Although 142,000 tonnes were sold in the first auction, only 426 tonnes—or 0.3%—had made it to consumers by the end of March.

The ministry attributed the delay to the lack of sale vehicles and time taken to prepare the grain for sale.

Many Reasons Behind Rice Crisis

The rice stock in Japan had already decreased due to record heat in summer 2023, which had severely impacted crop yields. Domestic consumption compounded the problem further as it increased due to a record number of tourists driving demand.

Panic purchasing amid warnings of typhoon and earthquake worsened the pressure, with some stores limiting sales. The government therefore finds itself resorting to reversing foreign imports to appease the market.

As imports are about to pour in and the government scrambling to fill gaps in distribution, Japan’s rice crisis continues to reshape consumer habits and well-established cultural preferences.