The Inquiry podcast explores Japan's recent rice crisis and its implications for the nation's economy. The crisis stems from a combination of factors, including reduced rice quality due to extreme heat, decades-long government policies aimed at controlling rice production, increased demand from tourism, and consumer anxiety following an earthquake. This has led to soaring rice prices, impacting households and contributing to broader inflationary pressures. Experts discuss potential solutions, such as increasing agricultural productivity, adjusting import policies, and addressing the aging farming population, while also considering the cultural significance of rice in Japan and the potential for changing consumer preferences. The crisis highlights Japan's vulnerability to food supply shocks and the challenges of balancing domestic agricultural policies with the need for stable food prices and economic growth.
