Home / Business and Economy / Japan's Rice Consumption Hits 7-Year Low Amid Price Surge
Japan's Rice Consumption Hits 7-Year Low Amid Price Surge
13 Jul
Summary
- Japanese rice consumption reached a seven-year low in the year ending March 2026.
- Price surges due to shortages are a likely cause for consumers shifting away.
- Japan is promoting rice flour for sweets to boost consumption.
Rice, a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine and culture, is experiencing a notable dip in consumption. For the year ending March 2026, average monthly per-person rice consumption fell 6.1 percent to 4,435 grams, marking a seven-year low. This decline is linked to consumers moving away from the staple food following price increases fueled by supply shortages in recent years.
To counter this trend, Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is encouraging the use of rice flour. An event showcased a variety of confectioneries, including cookies, baumkuchen, and brownies, made with rice flour. This initiative aims to expand rice consumption beyond traditional meals and tap into the growing global demand for gluten-free products.
Farm Minister Norikazu Suzuki has set an ambitious goal to double the demand for rice flour from 2025 levels to 130,000 tons by 2030. He expressed optimism that consumers will embrace rice flour products for their delicious taste and gluten-free properties, offering a new avenue for this cherished grain.
