Overestimation, slow response behind rice crisis in Japan: gov't

TOKYO - Japan's government on Friday acknowledged that its overestimation of rice supplies and delayed response in grasping the situation and releasing emergency stockpiles were to blame for the country's recent rice crisis.

The shortage of rice became apparent around the summer of 2024, caused by supply and demand factors, including a poor harvest due to high temperatures as well as increased consumption by inbound tourists and hoarding by some in preparation for a major earthquake, according to the government.