What's happened
Japan has begun importing South Korean rice for the first time in decades due to a significant domestic rice shortage and soaring prices. The initial shipment of 2.2 tons sold out quickly, reflecting a shift in consumer perception towards foreign rice amid ongoing price hikes in Japan.
What's behind the headline?
Market Dynamics
- Consumer Behavior: Japanese consumers are increasingly open to foreign rice, with South Korean rice being favored for its similar quality to domestic varieties.
- Price Sensitivity: The price of rice in Japan has skyrocketed, with 10 kilograms costing around 8,000 yen (approximately $57), compared to just 3,000 yen in South Korea.
- Cultural Shift: The acceptance of South Korean rice marks a significant change in consumer attitudes, as previously, Japanese rice was considered superior.
Economic Implications
- Supply Chain Adjustments: The surge in imports indicates a potential shift in Japan's agricultural import policies, which may lead to more diverse sourcing in the future.
- Impact on Local Farmers: While this may benefit consumers, local rice farmers could face increased competition, potentially affecting their livelihoods.
Future Outlook
- Continued Imports: With South Korea planning to export 22 tons of rice, this trend may continue, reshaping the rice market in Japan.
- Government Response: The Japanese government may need to reassess its agricultural policies to address ongoing shortages and price volatility.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Japan's rice imports from South Korea are a response to a 200,000-ton shortage, with prices doubling from last year. Park Jaehyun, a South Korean rice sommelier, noted that Japanese consumers are now recognizing the quality of South Korean rice, which is similar to their own. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post highlighted a viral post from a Japanese tourist who bought rice in Seoul due to high prices in Japan, illustrating the growing trend of Japanese consumers seeking affordable alternatives abroad. The Japan Times reported that this is the first import of South Korean rice since 1999, driven by soaring domestic prices despite heavy tariffs. This multifaceted situation underscores the evolving dynamics of rice consumption and trade in East Asia.
How we got here
Japan is experiencing a rice shortage, exacerbated by extreme weather and rising demand. Prices surged by over 90% in March 2025, prompting the government to release rice from reserves. This situation has led to the first South Korean rice imports since 1999.
Go deeper
- What caused the rice shortage in Japan?
- How is South Korean rice perceived in Japan?
- What are the implications for Japanese farmers?
Common question
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Why is Japan Importing Rice from South Korea Now?
Japan's recent decision to import rice from South Korea marks a significant shift in its agricultural policy, driven by a domestic rice shortage and soaring prices. This change raises questions about the future of Japan's rice market, consumer behavior, and the implications for global food supply. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this development.
More on these topics
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Japan is an island country of East Asia in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It borders the Sea of Japan to the west and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.
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South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea.
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Rice is the seed of the grass species Oryza glaberrima or Oryza sativa. As a cereal grain, it is the most widely consumed staple food for a large part of the world's human population, especially in Asia and Africa.