They have explained clearly enough. Their system of subsidies limits the production of rice, so they do not have any rice surplus. Because of that, even a ve

They have explained clearly enough. Their system of subsidies limits the production of rice, so they do not have any rice surplus. Because of that, even a very small increase in rice demand, like from having more tourists than expected in 2024 (I have also visited Japan this year, benefiting from the small prices after yen conversion) has been enough so that the demand could not be satisfied, resulting in increased prices. After tasting the Japanese rice in Japan, I agree with the article that their rice is by far the best and that the government policy of limiting the rice production is wrong and it would be much better for them to produce a rice surplus and attempt to export it. As they are aware, they could not compete directly with the cheaper rice from Thailand or other major exporters, but they could compete successfully in the "more expensive but better" rice category.