The Lament of the White Ears of Rice: Memories of the 2022 Summer Heat Wave and Rice Shortages

The Lament of the White Ears of Rice: Memories of the 2022 Summer Heat Wave and Rice Shortages

In 2023, Japan experienced a heat wave that continued throughout the country. The effects were particularly severe in the rice-growing regions of Miyakonojo City, Miyazaki Prefecture, and Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, where the growth of rice was hampered. The brown rice harvest decreased by about 15% from the previous year, and specifically, the total national harvest dropped significantly from 6 million tons to 5.1 million tons. As a result of the decrease in early rice shipments, consumers became increasingly concerned about rice shortages.

The intense heat made the ears of rice unable to withstand the harsh temperatures, resulting in an increase in low-quality rice, known as white unripe grains. In the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture, sake rice "Dewa Sanzu" resulted in white unripe grains accounting for about 30% of the total rice harvested, and the quality of Koshihikari rice from Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, was 10% lower than in previous years. This had a significant impact on the sake brewing and related industries.

In the Tokyo metropolitan area, a rice shortage became apparent, causing some stores to empty their rice shelves. The price of Koshihikari rice from Niigata jumped to 25,000 yen per bale (60 kg) from 17,000 yen the previous year, an increase of about 47%. The government released 10,000 tons of stockpiled rice, but this was insufficient to meet market demand. This delay in response has led to increased confusion in the market, further fueling consumer anxiety.

Meanwhile, the actions of major trading companies and wholesalers also became problematic. JA Zen-Noh attempted to respond quickly, but its plan fell behind and was criticized for its "slow response.

In Chikusei City, Ibaraki Prefecture, the price of Hitomebore increased approximately 35% over the previous year, reaching 15,000 to 23,000 yen per bale. Local farmers stated that production costs have increased by about 20% due to soaring fuel and fertilizer prices. In addition, in Kikuchi, Kumamoto Prefecture, rice cultivation using groundwater from the Aso region was severely affected by the heat wave, causing the crop to miss the "Special A" rating.

Rice shortages also had a major impact on households. Alternative products such as frozen preserved rice and rice-flour bread rapidly gained popularity, and sales increased by about 40% over the previous year. In Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, an attempt was made to curb the rising price of rice by holding a "direct from production area fair" where locally grown rice was sold directly to the public.

This "rice panic" is a crisis created by climate change and agricultural challenges. The need for food security has been recognized anew, and the government has indicated that it will introduce a new subsidy system starting in FY2024, focusing support on areas that were severely damaged, such as Daisen City in Akita Prefecture.