Japan’s Retail Rice Prices Edge Up to ¥4,142 in Latest Weekly Survey

Officials say the increase does not point to a lasting upswing.

Overview

For the Jan 26–Feb 1 period, the national average price for a 5 kg bag reached ¥4,142, a week-on-week gain of ¥47.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries compiles the weekly figures from roughly 6,000 retail stores across the country.
Regional readings showed Hokuriku highest at ¥4,345, with Shin'etsu at ¥3,993 and Kyushu–Okinawa at ¥3,985.
Reporting points to stronger sales of higher-priced brand rice as a likely contributor to the latest uptick.
Prices remain elevated even as the ministry maintains there is no large, sustained upward trend.