Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Rice prices double in Japan as inflation accelerates
The Straits Times
|June 21, 2025
The price of rice doubled in Japan in the 12 months to May, data showed on June 20, as an acceleration in inflation piled fresh pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ahead of key elections in July.
-
TOKYO — The price of rice doubled in Japan in the 12 months to May, data showed on June 20, as an acceleration in inflation piled fresh pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ahead of key elections in July.
Polls for Parliament's Upper House are crucial for Mr Ishiba after public support for his government tumbled to its lowest level since he took office in October, partly due to frustration over the cost of living.
One of the main sources of anger has been the surging cost of the food staple, which has rocketed for months owing to shortages caused by a variety of reasons, including supply chain snarls.
The price of the grain rocketed 101 per cent year-on-year in May, having jumped 98.4 per cent in April and more than 92.5 per cent in March.
That helped push core inflation, which excludes volatile fresh food prices, to a forecast-topping 3.7 per cent — its highest level since January 2023 — and up from 3.5 per cent in April.
This story is from the June 21, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Abuse Young children in dysfunctional families face high risks
The physical and mental abuse Megan Khung suffered has left Singaporeans reeling over how this could have happened here.
1 min
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
Doctors Dishonesty a serious matter to SMC and courts
The commentary “Are doctors in Singapore being disciplined fairly?
2 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
Better tracking needed to measure hearing loss
Hearing loss is a lot more than an ear issue, and is linked to cognitive decline, loneliness, increased fall risk, malnutrition, and even diabetes (Sumiko at 61: Hearing loss is linked to dementia risk.
1 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
'Yacht expert' among 3 S'poreans named as co-conspirators of Cambodian tycoon in US probe
Three Singaporeans allegedly implicated in a major probe by the United States and Britain targeting cybercrime include a self-styled yacht expert.
2 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
FROM HEARTBREAK TO CONQUERING THE HARD COURTS
In this series, The Straits Times highlights the players or teams to watch in the world of sport.
5 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
S'pore firm sanctioned by US was involved in HDB projects
Khoon Group under scrutiny over links to China-born tycoon in cybercrime probe
6 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
Rape Father sentenced to 24 years’ jail
A 54-year-old man, who was goaded by his lover to commit sexual acts on his daughter, was sentenced to 24 years’ jail on Oct 27.
1 min
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
Art appreciation Louvre museum heist a wake-up call
I've seen photos of the Louvre in textbooks and read about the Mona Lisa and the endless halls lined with art.
1 min
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
S’pore eyes renewable fuel, nuclear tie-ups in drive for diverse energy mix: Tan See Leng
Singapore must be ready to support all promising pathways, from established technologies to novel options, in its bid to transition its fossil fuel-based energy sector to one that is clean yet affordable, said Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology Tan See Leng on Oct 27.
4 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
Japan's new leader faces an early test: Winning over Trump
Ms Sanae Takaichi, who last week became the first woman to lead Japan as prime minister, has never met US President Donald Trump.
3 mins
October 28, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size