Overview

• Japan's rice stockpiles fell to 1.56 million tons in June, a 20% decrease from the previous year.
• The decline is attributed to high temperatures, water shortages, and increased demand from tourists.
• Foreign visitors to Japan hit a record high, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
• The trading price for rice has reached a 30-year high, prompting some supermarkets to raise prices and limit purchases.
• Despite the low stocks, officials assure that there are no immediate rice shortages.