Tag Archives: Rice

In a surprising turn of events that highlights the pressures of Japan’s ongoing rice shortage, two individuals from a small retail store in Gifu Prefecture have been referred to prosecutors for illegally reselling government-stockpiled rice. This case, which unfolded on September 18, 2025, marks the first prosecution of its kind …

In the heart of Japanese culture, rice isn’t just a food—it’s a symbol of life, prosperity, and tradition. From ancient Shinto rituals where rice offerings honor the gods to modern family meals where a steaming bowl of gohan (cooked rice) brings comfort, this humble grain has shaped Japan’s identity for …