Japan's Feb. 8 general election has put rice policy back in the spotlight after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reversed a push toward expanded production and exports, returning to a demand-based output strategy as prices remain high, putting a strain on consumers.Retail rice prices are hovering above 4,000 yen ($26) per 5 kilograms on average nationwide. In recent years, the surge has been so sharp that it has been dubbed the "Reiwa rice crisis," referring to Japan's current imperial era.The administration of former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba -- Takaichi's predecessor -- sought to counter…READ FULL ARTICLE
