Key Facts
• On September 2, 2025, ‘Matsumoto Rice Store’ in Maizuru City reopened at 10 a.m.
• The store had been closed since March 2025 due to the ‘Reiwa Rice Panic.’
• Third-generation owner Yasushi Matsumoto, 52, expressed renewed determination to enhance rice value.
• The store will operate daily in September from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Over 20 customers waited in the heat for the reopening.
• Matsumoto removed the ‘No Rice Available’ sign and thanked customers.
• The store now offers new Kyoto-grown Koshihikari rice and other premium brands.
• Matsumoto traveled to the Tohoku region to secure stable rice supplies.
• A new café was launched within the store, serving rice flour waffles and soon-to-offer lunch.
• Matsumoto emphasized the importance of valuing quality rice amid rising competition.
• An 80-year-old customer expressed relief, citing difficulties during the closure.
• Matsumoto highlighted the need for sustainable farming and fair evaluation of rice’s worth.
Summary
The Matsumoto Rice Store in Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture, reopened on September 2, 2025, after a six-month closure caused by the ‘Reiwa Rice Panic,’ which disrupted rice supplies. Over 20 customers eagerly awaited the reopening, where third-generation owner Yasushi Matsumoto removed the ‘No Rice Available’ sign and expressed gratitude to patrons. The store now offers premium rice, including Kyoto-grown Koshihikari, and features a newly opened café serving rice-based dishes. Matsumoto, who worked tirelessly to secure stable supplies, aims to enhance rice’s value and support sustainable farming. Customers welcomed the reopening, with one elderly patron highlighting the challenges faced during the closure. Matsumoto stressed the importance of valuing quality rice and fostering a sustainable agricultural future.
