Japan's agriculture minister vows to drive down rice prices
Japan's Agriculture Minister Koizumi Shinjiro has vowed to drive down rice prices to ensure that consumers will not shift away from the country's staple grain.
Koizumi met with rice producers on Sunday in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture.
Some farmers called for a fundamental change in the country's policy on agriculture. The chairman of JA Fukushima Chuou-kai, a local group of the national agricultural cooperatives, urged Koizumi to realize a price level that is satisfactory for both rice producers and consumers.
Koizumi replied that it is imperative to rein in soaring prices before guiding them to an adequate level.
He said this should prevent a shift away from rice consumption.
He said the government will do all it can to bring down rice prices. He emphasized that the government is also considering farmers' interests.
Koizumi was asked whether government statistics on rice quality and yields reflect the actual reality. He said he has heard such complaints from across the country. He assured the participants that the government is working to rectify the situation.
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Japan's agriculture minister vows to drive down rice prices
Japan's Agriculture Minister Koizumi Shinjiro has vowed to drive down rice prices to ensure that consumers will not shift away from the country's staple grain. Koizumi met with rice producers on Sunday in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture. Some farmers called for a fundamental change in the country's policy on agriculture. The chairman of JA Fukushima Chuou-kai, a local group of the national agricultural cooperatives, urged Koizumi to realize a price level that is satisfactory for both rice producers and consumers. Koizumi replied that it is imperative to rein in soaring prices before guiding them to an adequate level. He said this should prevent a shift away from rice consumption. He said the government will do all it can to bring down rice prices. He emphasized that the government is also considering farmers' interests. Koizumi was asked whether government statistics on rice quality and yields reflect the actual reality. He said he has heard such complaints from across the country. He assured the participants that the government is working to rectify the situation.
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JLPGA officials have been instructing golfers to treat fans and sponsors with the omotenashi spirit, an expression of Japanese hospitality in service or heartfelt welcome to guests, and the sport is reaping the benefits. | Jiji That appears to be paying dividends with fans like Hideaki Hayama, a Nagoya-based recreational golfer who turned his love for women's golf into a platform for fans seeking news updates and insightful analysis. Hayama wrote in a recent blog post about one notable difference between men's and women's pro golf fandom in Japan, saying the former is based on admiration, while the latter is about approachability. 'The top 10 men's golfers are all protagonists, but the rest are extras. Fans of men's golf are drawn to technical skill and scoring,' he said. 'In contrast, fans of women's golf are often motivated by more than just the game itself. 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