Key Facts
• June 10, 2025: Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announces release of 20,000 tons of stockpiled rice.
• Breakdown: 10,000 tons each from 2021 and 2020 harvests; sales start June 11.
• First-time release of 2020 rice; price set at approximately $12.30 per 5 kg.
• Anti-resale regulations to be introduced via cabinet decision within the week.
• Current stockpile: 91,000 tons; 31,000 tons released via auction in March-April.
• Remaining stock after new release: 10,000 tons, deemed sufficient for disaster response.
• Past disaster releases: 40,000 tons (2011 earthquake), 90 tons (2016 earthquake).
• Additional 24 tons allocated for Noto Peninsula earthquake relief.
• Rice prices declining: Average $30.50 per 5 kg (May 26–June 1), second consecutive week of decrease.
Summary
Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Shinjiro Koizumi, announced the release of 20,000 tons of government stockpiled rice on June 10, 2025, to address high rice prices. This includes 10,000 tons each from the 2021 and 2020 harvests, with sales starting June 11. The 2020 rice, priced at approximately $12.30 per 5 kg, is being released for the first time. To prevent resale, new regulations will be introduced via a cabinet decision within the week. The government has already released 31,000 tons through auctions earlier this year, leaving 10,000 tons in reserve, sufficient for disaster response. Additionally, 24 tons will be allocated to Noto Peninsula earthquake relief. Rice prices have shown a decline, with the average price dropping to $30.50 per 5 kg in late May. Minister Koizumi emphasized the importance of ensuring affordable rice reaches consumers quickly.
