Runaway rice prices spell danger for Japan’s prime minister as elections loom

<p>Attempts to bring down the price of the Japanese staple have had little effect amid a cost-of-living crisis</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/japan">Japan</a>’s government is battling record-low approval ratings as consumers voice anger at soaring rice prices just weeks before key national elections.</p><p>Attempts to bring down the price of the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/09/bread-easier-japan-rice-staple-food">Japanese staple</a> have had little effect, prompting calls for a reduction in the consumption (sales) tax to ease the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/13/japan-kanji-word-of-the-year-tax-cost-of-living">cost-of-living crisis</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/19/runaway-rice-prices-spell-danger-for-japans-prime-minister-as-elections-loom">Continue reading...</a>