जापान में चावल की किल्लत, सुपरमार्केट खाली: भूकंप-तूफान के डर से लोगों ने घरों में स्टॉक किया; सरकार बोली- अगले महीने तक सुधरेंगे हालात

This appeal is being made by putting ‘One person should buy only one bag’ stickers on the rice counters in Japan’s supermarkets.

There is a huge shortage of rice in Japan. For the past few weeks, rice has run out in many supermarkets in Japan. This is the first time since June 1999 that rice shortage is being seen in Japan. According to The Japan Times, in the supermarkets where rice is available, people are being appealed to buy rice in less quantity.

Actually, the government in Japan had warned about the danger of earthquakes and storms. Since then, people have started buying rice in panic and stocking it in their homes, due to which there is a shortage of rice in the market.

In Japan, the months from May to November are called typhoon season. During this time, about 20 storms come. This causes heavy rains, landslides and floods. Even in the typhoon season, the most storms come in the months of August-September. This year 19 to 21 storms are expected. The Japanese government had warned about these storms, after which people are panicking and stocking rice in their homes.

Notices of rice stock running out have been put up in many supermarkets in Japan.

The situation may improve after the new crop arrives in September
Amid the rice shortage, the Japanese government on Tuesday appealed to the people to remain calm. Agriculture Minister Tetsuha Sakamoto said that there is a shortage of rice stock in some places in the country, but we will overcome it soon. At present, there is sufficient stock of rice.

Rice crop is produced only once a year. Harvesting of new rice will start in September, after which the situation will improve with the arrival of new crop in the market.

Long holidays and record number of foreign tourists are also causing rice shortage
Obon Festival is going on in Japan from 13th August. During Obon Festival, people pay tribute to their ancestors. Festivals are held in their memory. Due to this festival, people are on long holidays. Due to this, the demand for rice has increased.

Along with this, a record number of foreign tourists have come to Japan this year. This is also the reason behind the shortage of rice. According to the report of Japan National Tourism Organization, more than 31 lakh foreign tourists have come to Japan till June this year.

According to the Foreign Agriculture Service report of the US Department of Agriculture, total rice production in Japan in 2023-24 was 7.3 million tonnes, while rice consumption stood at 8.1 million tonnes.

Suzuki’s store in Cobe was burnt down during the demonstrations. Apart from this, there was arson and looting at many places.

In 1918, there was a movement in Japan due to rice
In July 1918, there were agitations in Japan due to shortage of rice and rising prices. Due to the rising prices of rice, farmers and common people started protesting against the government. This peaceful movement soon turned violent and arson, looting, attacks on police stations and government offices started taking place in many places.

Due to this movement, former Prime Minister Terauchi Masatake had to resign from his post. During this period, about 25 thousand people were arrested.

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