Japan is currently facing the worst rice shortage ever faced in history, amid rising threats of typhoons and a possible megaquake. 
According to Japan-based Kyodo News, the price of rice in the country has increased by 18 percent this year, compared to 2023, marking the biggest ever rise in almost two decades. 
One rice bag per person in Japan 
The report noted that several stores in Japan limit consumers to buying only one bag of rice per person. 
Due to the rising demand for this beloved staple, supermarket chains in the country are witnessing people queuing up even before the stores open. As a result, daily rice stocks in these stores are running out by mid-day. 
Local media reports indicate that the surge in international tourists who visited Japan this year has resulted in the supply side pressure for rice. 
However, some people are also blaming the government's acreage reduction policy behind this crisis. 
Under this policy, Japan decided to reduce rice production to raise market prices, and the government provides subsidies to rice farmers who switch to other crops. 
Moreover, rice in several stores were emptied when consumers went on a buying spree after the government issued warning of a megaquake and multiple typhoons. 
The summer heatwave which happened last year is also considered a crucial element which resulted in the decline of rice production in the country. 
Government says no need to panic 
Meanwhile, Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries urged people to remain calm, and noted that new rice will be released to the market shortly to resolve the shortage issue. 
As the crisis looms, agriculture minister, Tetsushi Sakamoto, has said that the rice crop is growing steadily, and there is no need to panic. 
"Farmers in some regions could harvest about one week earlier than usual. The shortages will be resolved gradually," Sakamoto told Japanese broadcaster NHK.