Japanese Retailers Urge Flexibility in Rice Stockpile Sales as Prices Drop
Tokyo, Friday, 13 June 2025.
On 13 June 2025, major Japanese retailers met with Agriculture Minister Koizumi to discuss easing the deadline for selling emergency rice stockpiles amid fears of declining prices.
The Retailers’ Perspective
On June 13, 2025, the heads of six leading Japanese retail companies, including Aeon, 7-Eleven Japan, FamilyMart, Lawson, ITOYOKADO, and Life Corporation, sat down with Agriculture Minister Koizumi Shinjiro. The meeting was convened to discuss the government’s rice stockpile management amidst concerns over declining rice prices in Japan. The retailers requested a delay in the deadline for selling the government’s emergency rice stockpiles, originally set for the end of August 2025. Retailers emphasized the need for a more flexible approach, arguing that an extended timeline would allow for better market integration of the stockpiled rice. This approach might help prevent a rapid decrease in market prices that could adversely affect both retailers and consumers [1][2].
Economic Implications and Challenges
Japan’s rice market has been under stress due to an oversupply, causing a price drop that sparked fears among retailers about potential financial losses. Seven-Eleven Japan CEO Akutsu Tomohiro highlighted a desire to choose their own rice mills and retailers to maximize the value of the stockpiled rice. This includes plans to start selling 2 kg packages of pre-washed rice in Tokyo, Kansai, and Shikoku regions from June 17, with a nationwide rollout by July. FamilyMart President Hosomi Kensuke expressed a need for the sales period extension, as smaller packaging at convenience stores holds significant consumer value [2].
Government’s Response and Policy Adjustments
In response to the concerns, the Ministry of Agriculture announced the release of 100,000 metric tons of rice from the national stockpile on June 11, 2025, intended to stabilize prices and ease retailer strains. The plan aims to increase supply and bring prices to more reasonable levels. Discussions are ongoing about potential adjustments to the current policy, including extending the sales deadline past August and potentially increasing the volume of rice released to the market [1][3][4].
Future Directions and Market Stability
As the Japanese government navigates these challenges, there is an ongoing need to balance market supply with price stability. The discussions led by Minister Koizumi are expected to yield a more adaptable national stockpile strategy. This involves not only addressing immediate pricing issues but also formulating long-term strategies to ensure sustainable rice production and supply chain resilience. Retailers echo the sentiment that a flexible policy could facilitate smoother operations and improve economic outcomes for stakeholders across the supply chain [3][5].