Japan Convenience Store Chains Start Selling Gov't Stockpiled Rice
TOKYO, June 5 (Bernama-Kyodo) -- Two major convenience store chains in Japan began selling government-released stockpiled rice at select stores in Tokyo and Osaka on Thursday, joining major supermarkets and e-commerce platforms in a move to increase availability of the staple food for consumers struggling with soaring rice prices, Kyodo News Agency reported.
The outlets of Family Mart Co. and Lawson Inc. will sell the rice from the 2021 harvest in small portions to make it affordable for people, including those living alone.
While many other retailers sell it in bags of five kilograms (kg) for about 2,000 yen (US$14), Family Mart sets the price of its one kg package at 388 yen, and Lawson's is at 389 yen and 756 yen for two kg. Both will limit their sales to one package per customer.

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