Summary
Japan is suffering a rice shortage and soaring prices, while neighbouring South Korea has too much rice. The sticky issue of rice supply is planting seeds of discontent in both nations that threaten to have a major impact. Seoul correspondent Lim Yun Suk traces the source of South Korea’s oversupply – from farms in areas caught in the crossfire of war, to warehouses holding huge reserves. The country sees rice self-sufficiency as a national security issue, but farmers – frustrated by low prices – are seeking new options.
Meanwhile, Tokyo correspondent Michiyo Ishida travels to Japan’s agricultural regions to find out what’s behind the empty shelves - and unearths deeply rooted problems. Top of the list are Japan’s protections for farmers. But pressure is mounting on the government to tackle this – as it faces elections and pressure to increase imports, especially from the US, in crucial tariff talks. Can the cracks in these rice bowls be fixed, or will simmering tensions boil over?
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