Summary:
- Stores are struggling to procure and restock rice as a result of panic-buying.
- The government has advised people to remain calm, assured the matter would be resolved soon.
- This is the first time Japan has witnessed a shortage of rice since 1999.
The Japanese government warned people against panic-buying of rice on Tuesday. Japan's Farm Minister Tetsushi Sakamoto advised the people to stay calm and said that the shortage situation would be resolved soon.
People in Japan have resorted to panic buying amid threats of a "megaquake" and a series of typhoons, as well as a week-long holiday. The chaos has led to an unprecedented shortage of one of the country's most beloved staple foods - rice.
Empty shelves of rice are pictured in the supermarket with a notice written: "Due to shortage of resources materials, the supply of rice has been unstable. So for many customers to be able to buy, we ask you to buy one brand a day for your family. We beg for your understanding for causing trouble until the supply stabilizes,
in the Koto District of Tokyo, Japan. (Source: AFP)
As a result, the government on Tuesday warned people against panic buying.
"We could only procure half the usual amount of rice this summer and bags of rice get quickly sold out," a clerk at a branch of the popular Fresco supermarket chain in Tokyo was quoted as saying by the AFP.
Rice shelves in some stores were emptied, and stocks were rationed after a government warning this month – since lifted – of a possible "megaquake," as well as several typhoons and the annual Obon holiday.
Other factors include lower harvests caused by hot weather and water shortages and increased demand related to record numbers of foreign tourists.
No prospects
A worker at another store in Tokyo said: "We can't purchase any rice at all, and there's no prospect of buying anytime soon."
The Fresco worker told AFP that daily stocks ran out by midday.
"Customers queue up before the store opens, but piles of bags, each containing 10 kilograms (22 pounds), are always sold out during the morning," he said.
Farm minister Tetsushi Sakamoto appealed for calm Tuesday.
"Please be cool-headed in your purchase activity by buying only the amount of rice you need," Sakamoto said, stressing, "The supply shortage situation will be gradually resolved.
Rice is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, and its harvesting has shaped the nation's landscape, even though it was used as a currency in the seventh century.
With an annual consumption of seven million tons per year, it is by far the most consumed food staple in the country.
Demand has been falling for some time, however, because of a declining population and changing eating habits by many Japanese as they opt for alternatives.
The nation's stockpile in June was the lowest since 1999 when comparable data was first collected, but officials believe the inventory is sufficient.
A new harvesting season has started, with 40% of the crop available by the end of September, a farm ministry official told AFP.
Source: Daily Ahbar
