In Japan, the scorching heat continues to sweep the country, impacting agricultural crops and livestock, leading to a surge in vegetable prices and a 50-year high in domestic pork prices. The prolonged high temperatures and scarce rainfall have caused severe water shortages in regions like Fukui, Niigata, and Nagano prefectures, affecting the growth of rice crops. Last summer in 2024, Japan also experienced extreme heat, resulting in a poor rice harvest. With a combination of factors at play, the price of Japanese rice continues to climb.
In Niigata Prefecture, a central region for rice cultivation in Japan, the ongoing drought has led to more and more rice fields in hilly areas cracking due to lack of water. Local JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) representative Echigo Joetsu reported, “We haven’t had any rain for the past month. The rice fields are drying up, the rice plants are withering, turning into straw-like entities.”
If the rice fields do not receive sufficient water by early August, the rice plants may fail to bear grains, leading to a decrease in rice production. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the average temperature in Japan in July hit a record high since 1898. Rainfall along the Japan Sea coast in the northeast region was 13% below average, while in the Hokuriku region, it was 8% below the average level, marking the lowest levels recorded since 1946.
In the past two years, Japan has been facing rice shortages, leading to consistently high rice prices. The scorching summer in 2023 resulted in a significant decline in rice quality and production, subsequently reducing the rate of rice processing into polished rice. On the other hand, there has been a surge in demand for rice. To ensure a regular supply, more brown rice is needed.
One of the reasons for the increased demand for rice is that despite overall price hikes, rice still remains competitively priced. Additionally, post-pandemic revivals in the restaurant industry and tourism have contributed to the demand. The number of foreigners residing in Japan has significantly increased, hitting a historic high of 340,000 in 2024. All these factors have stimulated the demand for rice.
Summer vegetables have also been affected by the high temperatures. By mid-July, the wholesale price of tomatoes in Tokyo reached 415 Japanese yen per kilogram (2.8 USD), a 10% increase from the same period last year. Pumpkin prices rose by 20%, bell pepper prices by 30%, while the shipment volume from producers decreased by 30%.
“Due to the high temperatures and drought, many vegetables are not developing properly,” stated a produce wholesaler at the Tokyo Ota Market. “Starting from August, the shipment volume may be lower compared to previous years.” Meat and fish prices have also risen due to the hot weather. In July, the average price of premium domestic pork per kilogram at the Tokyo Central Wholesale Market increased by 4% year-on-year, reaching 866 Japanese yen, marking the highest price in 50 years. The heat has caused a decrease in pigs’ appetite, slow weight gain, resulting in delayed pork production and ultimately reducing the overall supply of pork.
In July, the sea surface temperature near Japan hit the highest record since 1982, with some areas exceeding the average level by 5 degrees Celsius. In Kagoshima Prefecture, the wholesale price of farm-raised amberjack fish soared by 50% to 60%, reaching a historic high. A fish farmer mentioned that due to the excessively high water temperature and measures taken to combat algae growth, “we are unable to provide them with enough feed, leading to slower growth.”
On July 30, the Ministry of Agriculture established a department to address drought and high temperatures for the first time. This new entity will collaborate with local governments, collect data on damaged crops and livestock, share information, and promote subsidies utilization.