Massive Queues in Japan: Over 1,000 Line Up for Discounted Rice Amid Surging Prices

Massive Queues in Japan: Over 1,000 Line Up for Discounted Rice Amid Surging Prices

[2025 Latest Update] 🍚

 

 

 

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Over 1,000 People Queue Overnight for Discounted Rice

In a rare scene, more than 1,000 people lined up overnight
outside a major supermarket in Osaka, Japan,
waiting for the doors to open to purchase government-released rice reserves at a steep discount.

According to local media, many citizens began lining up as early as 10 PM the night before,
eager to buy rice sold at nearly half the regular market price.

 

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Rice Sells Out in Hours

Once the supermarket opened at 7:55 AM,
the crowd rushed in, grabbing bags of rice almost instantly.

• Price: 2,138 yen (about 5kg), approximately 50% cheaper than market rates
• Limit: One bag per family
• Result: 4,800 bags sold out by noon

Similarly, another supermarket in Nagoya sold 4,200 bags in just three hours,
leaving many latecomers empty-handed.

 

 

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Memories of Past Crises Resurface

The current rush for rice has reminded citizens of past emergencies,
such as the mask shortages during COVID-19 and fuel shortages after major earthquakes.

One Osaka resident recalled,

"During COVID-19, we waited two hours for masks before the store even opened."

Another commented,

"After the earthquake, gas lines stretched so far we couldn’t see the end."

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Government Intervention and Ongoing Challenges

The Japanese government started releasing rice reserves in March
to curb the soaring prices but only now are supplies reaching retail stores.

Authorities have tried to speed up distribution by replacing key officials
and reducing intermediaries, calming public dissatisfaction somewhat.

However, with rice prices still high,
experts warn that without structural reforms in production and distribution,
simply releasing reserves won't be a long-term solution.

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