Japan's agriculture ministry to distribute national rice stocks to reduce prices, covering transportation costs, amid inflation and impending elections

Japan's Ministry of Agriculture will release 300,000 tons of rice from the national stockpile in a bid to reduce prices in the face of rising food inflation and public discontent. Distribution will be accelerated through direct contracts with retailers, and transportation costs will be borne by the state. While the measure provides temporary relief, experts warn that structural problems in agriculture and climate change will continue to affect the market. The government is taking political risks ahead of July elections.