Japan buys Korean rice for first time in 25 years amid shortage

Japan has imported rice from South Korea for the first time in 25 years in an attempt to address soaring prices and growing consumer anger.

- Justin McCurry

South Korean rice arrived in Japan last month for the first time since 1999 as the price of domestically produced grain continued to rise despite government attempts to relieve the pressure on shoppers.

The price of Japan-grown rice has more than doubled since this time last year, fuelling demand for cheaper foreign grain despite the heavy tariffs imposed on imports.

The quantity of South Korean rice, which was sold online and at supermarkets, was relatively low at two tonnes, but there are plans to ship a further 20 tonnes in the coming days, the public broadcaster NHK said.