There is a severe shortage of rice in Japan. For the past few weeks, many supermarkets in Japan have run out of rice. This is the first time since June 1999 that Japan has experienced a rice shortage. According to The Japan Times, where rice is available in supermarkets, people are being urged to buy less rice. In fact, the Japanese government warned of the risk of earthquakes and typhoons. Since then, people have started panic buying rice and hoarding it in their homes, leading to a shortage of rice in the market. In Japan, the months from May to November are called typhoon season. About 20 storms occur during this period. This causes heavy rains, landslides and floods. Even during the hurricane season, the months of August-September have the most storms. 19 to 21 hurricanes are likely this year. The Japanese government issued a warning about the storms, after which people panicked and hoarded rice in their homes. The situation may improve after the arrival of the new crop in September, amid a shortage of rice, the Japanese government on Tuesday appealed to people to remain calm. Agriculture Minister Tetsashi Sakamoto said that there is shortage of rice stock in some places in the country, but we will remove it soon. At present there is sufficient stock of rice. The rice crop is grown only once a year. The new rice harvest will begin in September, after which the situation will improve with the arrival of the new crop in the market. Japan's Obon festival starts on August 13 amid rice shortages due to long holidays and record-breaking foreign tourists. People pay homage to their ancestors during the Obon festival. A celebration is held in his memory. People are on long holidays due to this festival. Due to which the demand of rice has increased. Along with this, Japan has received a record-breaking number of foreign tourists this year. Due to which rice is also in short supply. According to the report of Japan National Tourism Organization, more than 31 lakh foreign tourists have come to Japan till June this year. According to a report by the US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service, total rice production in Japan in 2023-24 was 7.3 million tons, while rice consumption was 8.1 million tons. Rice Movement in Japan in 1918 A shortage and rising prices of rice led to movement in Japan in July 1918. Farmers and common people started protesting against the government due to rising prices of rice. This peaceful movement soon turned violent with arson, looting and attacks on police stations and government offices in many places. Due to this movement, former Prime Minister Terauchi Masatek had to resign from his post. Around 25 thousand people were arrested during this time.
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Rice shortages in Japan, supermarkets empty: People stock up at home in fear of earthquake-typhoon; The government said the situation will improve next month
