Japan rice harvest begins with shifting market prices

The 2026 rice harvest has begun across various regions in Japan, bringing new rice varieties to markets. In Akita Prefecture, the arrival of new 'Akita Komachi' rice has coincided with a significant shift in market pricing. Following the price surges seen during the 2025 rice shortage, the 2026 crop has seen a sharp decline in value, with some instances of new rice being sold at lower prices than older stock.

In Tochigi Prefecture, Michi-no-Eki Omoigawa in Oyama City is hosting special sales events for locally certified brands. The first event, scheduled for September 12–13, features 'Namai-ikko,' a Koshihikari variety grown with reduced pesticides and fertilizers. The second event, held on September 19–20, will feature 'Ramsar Fuyumizutanbo Rice,' an organic Koshihikari grown near the Watarase Floodplain, a Ramsar Convention wetland.