Latest news with #ricecrisis
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Experts issue warning as beloved staple food could be wiped out: 'It's quite possible'
Experts issue warning as beloved staple food could be wiped out: 'It's quite possible' As a country whose history has been closely tied to rice cultivation, Japan's current "Reiwa rice crisis" is worse than just a dietary inconvenience. The staple crop shortage has put farmers, consumers, and politicians on edge as they worry that its entire future is under threat, the Guardian reported. What's happening? A perfect storm of factors have combined to trigger, and exacerbate, the crisis. Record-breaking temperatures made for a smaller-than-usual 2023 crop, so stockpiles were already lower than usual. Then, high numbers of tourists put a heavier-than-usual demand on the supply. Finally, a surge of typhoon and earthquake warnings earlier this year sent consumers into panic-buying mode, depleting what little stock was left. Now, prices are soaring and politicians are scrambling to address concerns across the board from farmers and consumers. The crisis is also exacerbated by the fact that Japan has long scorned the idea of importing rice, which means that as their supply dwindles, prices keep rising. Why is this crop shortage particularly concerning? Because the initial supply shortage was triggered by high temperatures, and because demand has been exacerbated by frequent and intense storms, many experts and climate advocates are pointing to the involvement of global heating in the Reiwa rice crisis, named after the current era of Japan. This is concerning, they say, because it may portend similar situations for other crops around the world. In fact, this pattern has already been playing out in many countries. In Pakistan, mango crops shrunk by over 40% as heat waves destroyed entire groves; in France, prized pink garlic plants were obliterated by enormous, unseasonal hail storms. It's all an unfortunate aspect of the reality of climate change: A warming atmosphere means changing weather patterns, and agriculture is highly susceptible to changes in weather. What options will Japan have in the future? Japan's current administration has tried several approaches, including releasing older rice bags from stockpiles and even importing foreign rice. While both of these offer more affordable options — about 50% and 10% cheaper than Japanese rice, respectively — they have yet to be widely accepted by consumers. The Guardian quoted an anonymous official from the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations, who said, "We have never seen this much stock of imported rice brands on supermarket shelves. We are concerned that customers will turn away from domestic rice and choose imported options in the future." But as Kunihiko Osafune, a food expert and writer, explained, there may be no other option. "It's quite possible that in the near future we will no longer be able to eat Japanese rice," Osafune warned. However, scientists around the globe are also experimenting with ways to maintain crop stability despite surging atmospheric temperatures, from engineering drought-resistant varieties of staple crops to using high-tech drones to improve efficiency during planting. What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
CNN
25-06-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Why Japan has a rice crisis
Why Japan has a rice crisis 01:17 - Source: CNN Vertical World News 15 videos Why Japan has a rice crisis 01:17 - Source: CNN Reporter asks Trump if he wants regime change in Iran When questioned about Iran while aboard Air Force 1, President Trump addressed whether he desires a change in the countries' regime. 00:58 - Source: CNN At least 49 people killed near aid sites in Gaza over 24-hour period At least 49 people have been killed near aid distribution sites or while waiting for aid trucks across Gaza over just 24 hours, according to Palestinian health officials. CNN's Nada Bashir reports on the latest aid site developments in Gaza. 01:07 - Source: CNN US strikes on Iran did not destroy nuclear sites, sources say The US military strikes on three of Iran's nuclear facilities last weekend did not destroy the core components of the country's nuclear program and likely only set it back by months, according to an early US intelligence assessment that was described by three people briefed on it. 00:49 - Source: CNN Meet the 'Maple MAGA' of Alberta Separatists in the Canadian province of Alberta are courting votes for a referendum that could start the process for the province to secede from the rest of the country. Here's a look into what's motivating the movement. 02:50 - Source: CNN Trump lashes out at Israel and Iran President Donald Trump condemned both Iran and Israel as the ceasefire he brokered between the two countries appeared to grow more fragile. Trump was critical of both sides, but reserved his harshest condemnation for Israel, who he said 'unloaded' on Iran 'as soon as we made the deal.' 02:01 - Source: CNN Air defenses remain active in Iran after ceasefire announcement CNN's Fred Pleitgen reports anti-aircraft fire lighting up the sky over the Iranian capital Tehran, after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. 01:26 - Source: CNN Zakaria reacts to Trump's claim of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran CNN's Fareed Zakaria reacts to President Donald Trump announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran which he says he hopes to become permanent. Neither Iran nor Israel has made any comments about a pending ceasefire. 01:39 - Source: CNN Why Iran possibly warned Qatar about its attack ahead of time CNN's Clarissa Ward is in Tel Aviv as Iran launched strikes towards a US military base in neighboring Qatar, but according to one source, the Iranians warned the Qataris that the strikes were coming. In short, the US likely knew ahead of time. Ward breaks down why Tehran issued the warning and what it did. 01:15 - Source: CNN National security analyst explains why Iran's strike in Qatar was 'a gamble' National security analyst Peter Bergen details why Iran's strike against a US airbase in Qatar was "a gamble" considering the relationship between the two countries. 00:58 - Source: CNN World leaders divided after US attack on Iran The UN Security Council was deeply divided during an emergency session called after US military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. 01:27 - Source: CNN Why the Strait of Hormuz is so significant As Iran threatens to disrupt and close the Strait of Hormuz, CNN's Nick Paton Walsh breaks down why this narrow passage is so important. 00:58 - Source: CNN CNN team witnesses Israeli strike on Tehran Israeli airstrikes rocked the north of Tehran on Monday. CNN's Frederik Pleitgen shows the aftermath of the attack. 01:14 - Source: CNN Iranians demonstrate against US strikes US President Donald Trump's decision to launch direct strikes against Iranian nuclear sites has sparked a wave of anger in the country, with people on the streets of Tehran telling CNN they expect their country to strike back. 01:33 - Source: CNN Satellite images show before and after US strikes in Iran Iran's largest nuclear complex was dealt a series of severe blows in US strikes on Sunday, a CNN analysis of satellite imagery found. See the before and after images, provided by Maxar Technologies, showing the damage visible at three of Iran's nuclear facilities. Initial damage assessments to the three sites are ongoing, according to the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency. 00:54 - Source: CNN
CNN
25-06-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Why Japan has a rice crisis
Why Japan has a rice crisis 01:17 - Source: CNN Vertical World News 15 videos Why Japan has a rice crisis 01:17 - Source: CNN Reporter asks Trump if he wants regime change in Iran When questioned about Iran while aboard Air Force 1, President Trump addressed whether he desires a change in the countries' regime. 00:58 - Source: CNN At least 49 people killed near aid sites in Gaza over 24-hour period At least 49 people have been killed near aid distribution sites or while waiting for aid trucks across Gaza over just 24 hours, according to Palestinian health officials. CNN's Nada Bashir reports on the latest aid site developments in Gaza. 01:07 - Source: CNN US strikes on Iran did not destroy nuclear sites, sources say The US military strikes on three of Iran's nuclear facilities last weekend did not destroy the core components of the country's nuclear program and likely only set it back by months, according to an early US intelligence assessment that was described by three people briefed on it. 00:49 - Source: CNN Meet the 'Maple MAGA' of Alberta Separatists in the Canadian province of Alberta are courting votes for a referendum that could start the process for the province to secede from the rest of the country. Here's a look into what's motivating the movement. 02:50 - Source: CNN Trump lashes out at Israel and Iran President Donald Trump condemned both Iran and Israel as the ceasefire he brokered between the two countries appeared to grow more fragile. Trump was critical of both sides, but reserved his harshest condemnation for Israel, who he said 'unloaded' on Iran 'as soon as we made the deal.' 02:01 - Source: CNN Air defenses remain active in Iran after ceasefire announcement CNN's Fred Pleitgen reports anti-aircraft fire lighting up the sky over the Iranian capital Tehran, after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. 01:26 - Source: CNN Zakaria reacts to Trump's claim of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran CNN's Fareed Zakaria reacts to President Donald Trump announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran which he says he hopes to become permanent. Neither Iran nor Israel has made any comments about a pending ceasefire. 01:39 - Source: CNN Why Iran possibly warned Qatar about its attack ahead of time CNN's Clarissa Ward is in Tel Aviv as Iran launched strikes towards a US military base in neighboring Qatar, but according to one source, the Iranians warned the Qataris that the strikes were coming. In short, the US likely knew ahead of time. Ward breaks down why Tehran issued the warning and what it did. 01:15 - Source: CNN National security analyst explains why Iran's strike in Qatar was 'a gamble' National security analyst Peter Bergen details why Iran's strike against a US airbase in Qatar was "a gamble" considering the relationship between the two countries. 00:58 - Source: CNN World leaders divided after US attack on Iran The UN Security Council was deeply divided during an emergency session called after US military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. 01:27 - Source: CNN Why the Strait of Hormuz is so significant As Iran threatens to disrupt and close the Strait of Hormuz, CNN's Nick Paton Walsh breaks down why this narrow passage is so important. 00:58 - Source: CNN CNN team witnesses Israeli strike on Tehran Israeli airstrikes rocked the north of Tehran on Monday. CNN's Frederik Pleitgen shows the aftermath of the attack. 01:14 - Source: CNN Iranians demonstrate against US strikes US President Donald Trump's decision to launch direct strikes against Iranian nuclear sites has sparked a wave of anger in the country, with people on the streets of Tehran telling CNN they expect their country to strike back. 01:33 - Source: CNN Satellite images show before and after US strikes in Iran Iran's largest nuclear complex was dealt a series of severe blows in US strikes on Sunday, a CNN analysis of satellite imagery found. See the before and after images, provided by Maxar Technologies, showing the damage visible at three of Iran's nuclear facilities. Initial damage assessments to the three sites are ongoing, according to the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency. 00:54 - Source: CNN
Japan Times
24-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Bento shop bankruptcies could hit a record in 2025
Bento shops have been hit hard by inflation and a weak economy as stagflation takes hold in Japan and makes business difficult for even the most humble of establishments. According to Teikoku Databank, 22 bento shops went bankrupt from January to May, compared to 21 in the same period last year. Bentos — set lunches normally served in box-like containers — are popular in Japan with students, workers and businesspeople on the go and others looking for a quick and cheap meal. They are available at supermarkets, convenience stores and dedicated bento shops. The research gave no figure for the total number of bento shops in Japan. In 2024, 52 bento shops went bankrupt, the most since Teikoku Databank started compiling the data in 2000. This year could be another record. Stay updated on Japan's rice crisis. Quality journalism is more crucial than ever. Help us get the story right. For a limited time, we're offering a discounted subscription plan. Unlimited access US$30 US$18 /mo FOREVER subscribe NOW 'Many bento shops are struggling to find ways to break through this situation. It seems they can only be defensive, simply trying to hold on,' said Daisuke Iijima, a Teikoku Databank analyst. Teikoku Databank points out that demand for bento meals has been falling since the pandemic, as more people work from home and don't need to buy bentos. The rising cost of ingredients, especially rice, has hit meal-in-a-box providers hard. Japan's inflation is running at about 3% this year, and was 3.5% in May. In May, the price of rice more than doubled year on year. The price of rice will be a key factor for bento shops. 'Opinions are divided among bento business operators whether the high rice price is temporary or not,' Iijima said. He pointed out that many bento shops have increased their prices to a certain degree, but the price increases have been outpaced by the rising cost of ingredients. In fiscal 2024, 45% of bento shops reported higher profits, 30% were unprofitable and 22% reported a fall in profits, according to the Teikoku Databank report. Corporate bento shops can take advantage of their scale to contain costs, but smaller bento stores lack that leverage and must eat the increases or pass them on to customers. The report noted a rising number of cases where soaring rice prices led to declining profitability for smaller bento shops where ingredients are a high percentage of overall costs. Increasing the prices of bentos may be necessary for operators to stay afloat, but it's not an easy move. "One significant hurdle is the perception among consumers that bentos are reasonable compared to eating out, which makes price increases hard for bento shops," Iijima said. 'It's likely a certain number of smaller shops without the financial resilience will eventually give up their business.'
Japan Times
21-06-2025
- General
- Japan Times
How to bring back the mojo in ‘old old old rice'
You'd have noticed in your local supermarket or heard from the news that rice prices have nearly doubled year-on-year. To combat this, the government is releasing bichikumai or stockpiled rice to select retail outlets across the country . By law, rice that is produced between Nov. 1 of the previous year and Oct. 31 of the current year is known as shinmai (new rice), while rice that was produced the year before is komai — the kanji character for "ko" means 'old' while "mai" means 'rice'; bichikumai is also generally known as komai. Each older batch of rice is simply tagged with an additional 'ko' to its name, for example, kokomai (old old rice). Kokokomai (old old old rice) or the 2021 crop, along with older rice, is now available on the market, a rare offering that has prompted concerns over its quality from some locals. When cooked, Japanese rice is prized for its moistness, slight stickiness and a subtle sweetness — qualities that shinmai has in abundance. But the older the rice gets, the drier it becomes, losing a little of its sweetness and umami. Stay updated on Japan's rice crisis. Quality journalism is more crucial than ever. Help us get the story right. For a limited time, we're offering a discounted subscription plan. Unlimited access US$30 US$18 /mo FOREVER subscribe NOW Is kokokomai bad? Whether you'll discern a difference or not depends on your palate — and how the rice is cooked. You'll notice it as plain rice, but, just to give two examples, if it is served as takikomi gohan (rice mixed and cooked with other ingredients), or sprinkled with furikake (Japanese seasoning of sesame seeds, seaweed and dried fish), chances are you won't find much of a difference. You can also offset the loss of moisture by adding more water or other liquids when you cook the rice. Adding a little sake to it may also improve its taste, while a little oil will make the grains shiny like shinmai. Some dishes like fried rice require rice that's drier than shinmai, in which case kokokomai may actually be more suitable. For my takikomi gohan recipe below, I give it a boost of umami by adding shirodashi (concentrated dashi base) and cooking it in a pot to produce delicious okoge (burnt or browned bits). Adding more water to "kokokomai" (old old old rice) will help offset some of its lost moisture. | GETTY IMAGES Serves 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes (does not include rice-soaking time) Ingredients: 400 grams kokokomai 6 thin asparagus shoots 150 grams boneless skinless chicken thigh 600 milliliters water 2 tablespoons shirodashi 1 tablespoon light soy sauce 2 tablespoons sake Salted butter to taste Coarsely ground black pepper to taste Directions: 1. Measure the rice and rinse it in four to five rounds of water. Then soak the grains in water for 30 minutes to an hour. 2. While the rice is soaking, cut the asparagus into 2-centimeter-long pieces, and cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. 3. Transfer the drained and soaked rice to a heavy cooking pot and add 600 milliliters of water, shirodashi, soy sauce, sake, asparagus and chicken. Start cooking the rice over high heat until the liquid comes to a boil. Put on a tight-fitting lid, turn the heat down to low and cook for another 13 minutes. 4. Raise the heat to high and cook until you hear crackling sounds from the pot. Turn off the heat and let the rice steam for 15 to 20 minutes. 5. Fluff up the rice to distribute the asparagus and chicken evenly. Serve the rice topped with coarsely ground black pepper and a pat of butter.
