We are in Kasumigaseki, Tokyo. Japan’s agricultural policy is at a crossroads—we ask Minister Koizumi how he plans to steer its future direction.

Good afternoon, thank you for having me today.

Thank you as well.

(Pointing to monitor) This shows rice prices across different regions.

There’s quite a disparity between regions, isn’t there?

First, let’s discuss the unusually sharp rise in rice prices.

Supermarket retail prices for rice have been steadily declining, now falling below the 3,000-yen mark. What’s the latest figure?

Fortunately, the latest data shows a further drop of 119 yen to 3,801 yen. The national average price has fallen to this level—marking the first time in five consecutive weeks of decline since the Ministry began collecting data in Reiwa 4. Given our policy goal of stabilizing abnormally high prices, we believe these results reflect progress.

Kasumigaseki

Kasumigaseki is a district in central Tokyo, Japan, known as the country’s political and administrative hub, housing many government offices, including the National Diet Building and various ministries. Historically, it was a feudal estate during the Edo period before transforming into a modern governmental center in the late 19th century. Today, it symbolizes Japan’s governance and is a key area for policymaking and bureaucracy.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century when it was a small fishing village called Edo. It became Japan’s political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Tokugawa shogunate there, and it was renamed Tokyo in 1868 when Emperor Meiji moved the imperial capital from Kyoto. Today, Tokyo is a global metropolis known for its cutting-edge technology, vibrant pop culture, and blend of traditional temples and modern skyscrapers.

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

The **Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF)** is a Japanese government agency responsible for overseeing policies related to agriculture, food production, forestry, and fisheries. Established in 1881 as part of Japan’s modernization efforts, it plays a key role in ensuring food security, sustainable resource management, and rural development. Today, MAFF addresses challenges such as climate change, declining rural populations, and international trade in agricultural products.