According to data released by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on January 16, the average price of rice in supermarkets across Japan has reached 4,267 yen (approximately $27) per 5 kilograms, remaining at a historically high level. The soaring rice prices have increased the cost of living for households and sparked broader concern over the direction of Japan's food policy.

CGTN Stringer in Japan interviewed residents in Osaka about how rising rice prices are affecting their daily lives, and how they view the government's measures to stabilize rice prices. Interviewees said that the continuous price hikes have forced them to reduce their daily rice consumption. Others said the higher prices have made rice increasingly difficult to purchase, prompting them to specifically buy during supermarket discount days or promotional offers.