Japan’s supermarket rice prices fall for third straight week, with 5 kg averaging ¥3,112

Japan’s supermarket rice prices have fallen for three consecutive weeks, and an unusual price reversal is emerging: newly harvested rice is selling for less than older rice in some stores.

Agriculture Ministry statistics covering about 1,000 supermarkets showed that the average tax-included price for 5 kilograms of white rice stood at ¥3,112 in the week from Aug. 24 to 30. That was ¥44 lower than the previous week’s ¥3,156, extending a clear cooling trend in the market.

Branded rice, defined as rice from a single production area and variety, fell ¥46 to ¥3,129. Blended rice and other varieties dropped ¥38 to ¥3,023. Retailers said wholesale procurement prices had declined sharply, prompting some stores to promote newly harvested rice at relatively low prices to clear inventory and attract buyers. New rice typically sells at a premium, making this year’s reversal particularly notable.

The government has decided to repurchase 210,000 tons of reserve rice previously released into the market as it seeks to balance supply and demand. Distribution experts nevertheless said inventories of rice produced in 2024 remained high, while new rice is continuing to reach the market. They therefore see little likelihood of a sharp price rebound in the near term, leaving consumers likely to benefit from the decline.

The next key indicator will be the price of this year’s new rice once it reaches supermarkets nationwide. Whether prices continue falling or stabilize because of quality differences and buying demand will shape the cost of a staple food through autumn and winter.