Wedoany.com Report-Jun 6, On June 3, 2025, Japan’s Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced plans to explore repurchasing stockpiled rice sold at high prices through competitive bidding, provided distributors agree to return it. Speaking at a press conference after a Cabinet meeting, Koizumi addressed concerns from distributors who requested the cancellation of these transactions due to elevated costs compared to no-bid contracts.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries reported that the average successful bid price for 60 kilograms of unpolished rice across three bidding sessions was ¥20,812, excluding taxes, nearly twice the ¥11,010 price for rice harvested in 2022 sold through no-bid contracts. Of the approximately 210,000 tons of stockpiled rice auctioned in March 2025, only 41,975 tons—roughly 20%—reached retailers, restaurants, and other food-related businesses.

Koizumi highlighted that around 1,500 applications from small and medium-sized supermarkets and rice dealers have been received for stockpiled rice distributed through no-bid contracts. He suggested that reallocating the rice via no-bid contracts could help stabilize prices and support local businesses, ensuring more equitable access to rice supplies.

The issue stems from a competitive bidding process overseen by former Agriculture Minister Taku Eto, who resigned earlier this year after public criticism over a remark made amid a rice shortage and soaring prices. Eto stated: “I have never bought rice,” explaining he received it from supporters, a comment deemed insensitive as rice prices had doubled since the previous year. He later acknowledged the statement was inappropriate given the public’s struggles with high costs.

The government’s consideration of repurchasing the rice aims to address the pricing challenges and support the agricultural sector, particularly smaller distributors, while ensuring fair distribution to meet domestic consumption needs.