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Are Foreign Tourists Eating All of Japan’s Rice?
The numbers don’t add up.
By Jay Andrew Allen
Between rising prices and a weak yen, Japan’s economy has taken a lot of hits lately. Now, consumers are feeling an even harder pinch as rice — a staple of the Japanese diet — is disappearing from store shelves.
Some news reports are laying the blame for the shortage partially on foreign tourists. However, that notion doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.
Japan’s dwindling rice supply
Japan’s been no stranger to food shortages lately. The Ukraine War, the after-effects of the pandemic, and a number of other incidents have collaborated to put the squeeze on certain food items.
Last year, for example, a combination of bird flu and expensive feed led to an egg shortage — and sent prices soaring. As a result, stores limited egg sales, and some restaurants temporarily took items like pancakes off their menus.
However, the new shortage strikes even closer to the heart of the Japanese diet. Many Japan residents are going to their local supermarkets to find that there’s little rice to be had…
