Business & Economy
How Japan went from a rice shortage to a rice surplus in two years, as climate change, tourism, and a U.S. trade fight collided
In 2023, extreme heat and drought damaged Japan’s rice crop, and a year later, that damage turned into a national shortage so severe, it forced a government minister to resign.
AI Summary
In 2023, extreme heat and drought devastated Japan’s rice harvest, leading to a national shortage that prompted a government minister’s resignation. By 2026, the country had reversed the trend, accumulating a record rice surplus that compelled the government to purchase rice from the market to prevent prices from falling further. This rapid shift reflects the combined impact of climate conditions, tourism dynamics, and a trade dispute with the United States.
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