A weakening yen is causing significant ripples in Japan’s rice market, leading to escalating prices and challenges for smaller retailers. Japan’s rice prices have surged by 71% year-over-year, driven by a complex interplay of factors including higher import costs and supply chain disruptions. Larger companies are securing top-quality grain, leaving smaller shops with limited options. This surge in prices impacts Japanese households, driving up inflation rates and stressing household budgets. While Japan’s Bank of Japan and agricultural policymakers face challenges in navigating this crisis, the issue highlights concerns about economic stability for smaller businesses. Experts believe that Japan’s history of production caps during the 1970s mirrors the current situation, prompting calls for potential intervention to address currency fluctuations and impact on rice supply.