Hi,I’m Kazu!!
Japanese society has long been centered around rice cultivation. Rice is said to yield much more than other grains, and though Japan is a moutainous country with few plains, due to its mild temperatures and high rainfall, it is well-suited to growing rice. Thank to rice, Japan’s large populations have flourished.
Rice is rich in nutrients and used as an ingredient in the likes of miso(soybean paste), rice vinegar and sake(Japanese rice wine). In the past, activities like rice planting and harvesting were done through the coorperation of all people in the same community working together. Under these environment, certain characteristics developed, such as the Japanese tendencies towards mutual cooperation and group order.
Rice is the most important food for Japanese people, and it has formed the foundation of Japanese culture.
By the way, do you know that Japanese rice is currently in a state of crisis?
As of 2025, Japan is facing what some are calling a “rice panic.” Prices have surged to nearly double the usual rate, yet farmers are still struggling to make a profit. Consumers are saying it’s too expensive to buy, while producers say they still can’t earn enough. So then, who on earth is actually making a profit?
The root of the problem isn’t just bad weather or increased demand from tourists—it’s deeper. Experts point to long-standing structural issues in Japan’s agricultural policies, especially the legacy of the rice acreage reduction policy , which has limited production for decades. Even though the government has released reserve rice to ease the shortage, it’s seen as a temporary fix.
The Japanese government’s rice acreage reduction policy officially began in 1970 or 1971. Since it’s now 2025, that means the policy started about 54 to 55 years ago.
Is the Japanese government really putting Japanese people first, when it unilaterally releases emergency stockpiled rice purchased with taxpayers’ money, makes the citizens buy it back, and even charges consumption tax on top of that?
Right now, Japan’s staple food—rice—is in short supply. But it’s not just rice—other food, land,water and even our culture are being taken away.
☆☆That’s why, while there is still something distinctly Japanese left, I invite you to experience the majestic nature of Aso and the warmth and orderly spirit of its people. Please visit before the essence of Japan disappears(*_*)ーーBybye！！
