Japan Supermarket Chain Sells Cheaper Taiwanese Rice As Prices Rise

The major Japanese supermarket chain Seiyu has begun selling rice produced in Taiwan.

Seiyu Co. Ltd. described the rice as “a product that will satisfy customers,” noting its flavor and texture closely resemble those of domestic rice familiar to most Japanese consumers. I Photo: KKPCW Wikimedia Commons

This marks the first time the company has offered Taiwanese rice, which is about 20% cheaper than the average price of domestically harvested rice. Yuka Kato reported for Mainichi Japan.

The Taiwanese rice brand, "Musubi no Sato," is a Japonica rice variety, the same short-grain type commonly grown in Japan.

Seiyu Co. Ltd. described the rice as “a product that will satisfy customers,” noting its flavor and texture closely resemble those of domestic rice familiar to most Japanese consumers.

The rice is milled in Taiwan and packaged in Japan, priced at 2,797 yen (approximately $18) including tax for 5 kilograms.

The product is available at 138 Seiyu stores across the Kanto region and other areas in eastern Japan. At Seiyu's Kichijoji store in Musashino, a suburb of Tokyo, the rice was displayed prominently in the rice section, attracting interest from customers.

While the new rice harvest this fall has eased shortages, prices remain high. Currently, the price of rice sold at Seiyu is 70% to 80% higher than last year, with many domestic rice brands costing over 3,000 yen (around $19) for 5 kilograms.