Japan convenience store chains start selling gov't stockpiled rice

Two major convenience store chains in Japan began selling government-released stockpiled rice at select stores in Tokyo and Osaka on Thursday, joining major supermarkets and e-commerce platforms in a move to increase availability of the staple food for consumers struggling with soaring rice prices.The outlets of Family Mart Co. and Lawson Inc. will sell the rice from the 2021 harvest in small portions to make it affordable for people, including those living alone.While many other retailers sell it in bags of 5 kilograms for about 2,000 yen ($14), Family Mart sets the price of its 1-kg packa…READ FULL ARTICLE