Japan's Food Self-Sufficiency Rate Hits Record Low 37% Amid Soaring Rice Prices

Japan's calorie-based food self-sufficiency rate for fiscal year 2025 fell by 1 percentage point from the previous year to 37%, tying its lowest level on record, according to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on the 7th. The decline is largely attributed to reduced domestic consumption caused by high domestic rice prices—a trend persisting since last year—as well as an influx of imported rice.

Although the government has set a target to raise the self-sufficiency rate to 45% by fiscal year 2030, the latest announcement sparked widespread concern online, with terms like "Record Low" and "Food Self-Sufficiency Rate" trending on social media. Many posts expressed sharp criticism of current agricultural policies and called for immediate reforms, with users commenting that "improving the food self-sufficiency rate is a top priority for defense and national security" and raising concerns about securing food during emergencies.

Furthermore, an increasing number of posts advised individuals to take self-preservation measures, such as starting home gardens or building emergency food stockpiles, underscoring the public's growing anxiety over the stability of the nation's food supply.

The Context

Japan measures its food self-sufficiency largely on a calorie basis, which calculates the percentage of daily caloric intake supplied by domestically produced food. Compared to other major developed nations, Japan's self-sufficiency rate is exceptionally low due to its heavy reliance on imported wheat, oilseeds, and livestock feed. Rice has historically been the cornerstone of Japan's food security, maintaining near-total domestic self-sufficiency. However, recent price spikes caused by climate disruptions, elevated production costs, and supply imbalances have burdened consumers, drawing renewed attention to the vulnerability of Japan's food supply system.