Takaichi states rice prices are determined by the market

The fundamental principle is that rice prices are determined by the market. I believe it is important for prices to settle at a level that enables producers to sustain production while also being acceptable to consumers. Regarding your question about repurchasing rice for government stockpiles, from the perspective of food security, I recognize the need to buy back stockpiled rice and restore the level of reserves going forward in preparation for possible supply shortages resulting from poor harvests in the future or sudden increases in demand. To that end, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will smoothly proceed with the recently decided buyback of 210,000 tons of rice. In addition, I understand that, while continuing to carefully assess supply and demand conditions and other factors, the Government will steadily proceed with the planned replenishment of stockpiles toward an appropriate level from the perspective of food security. As for rice, we will work to diversify export destinations, including for processed food products, and actively expand into global markets, thereby increasing demand. At the same time, we are currently in the five-year period for undertaking intensive measures to transform agricultural structures. During this period for intensive measures, we will secure a separate and sufficient budgetary allocation and enhance and strengthen relevant measures, thereby also improving productivity.