Overview
- Government officials said the package will adopt Agriculture Minister Norikazu Suzuki’s rice voucher proposal.
- The vouchers will be identified as a recommended use of an expanded Priority Support Local Grants program for municipalities.
- Several local governments already issue such vouchers under the grants, with some allowing use beyond rice depending on local rules.
- Retail prices for 5 kilograms of rice remain above ¥4,000, intensifying pressure on families with children and pensioner households.
- Distribution entails administrative and shipping costs, making cost control and practical rollout by municipalities a central next step.