Japan - Rice Price More Than Doubles Despite Govt Efforts

https://japantoday.com/category/national/japan-rice-prices-hit-new-high-despite-gov't-countermeasures
Japan's rice prices rose to a record average of 4,214 yen
per 5 kilograms, more than double the level a year earlier,
the government said Monday, suggesting that recent stockpile
releases have had limited effect in curbing the soaring costs.
The government has auctioned off roughly 212,000 tons of its
rice stockpiles in two batches to help ensure smoother
distribution, with some reaching store shelves in late March.
However, the average price of rice sold at supermarkets
nationwide between March 31 and April 6 rose by 8 yen from
the previous week, marking the 14th consecutive weekly
increase and the highest level since data collection began
in March 2022.
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   The US has egg issues, Japan has rice issues.
   Think east Asia and you think rice - it's a
   staple, either alone or added to other recipes.