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TOKYO: Rice prices in Japan finally fell in May for the first time in three and a half years, a government official said Friday (Jun 19), following sharp rises for the staple that put the government under huge pressure.Rice prices skyrocketed in 2024 and 2025 because of supply problems linked to multiple factors, including hot weather and panic-buying after a “megaquake” warning two years ago.Combined with falling living standards and corruption scandals, this led to voters deserting the ruling party and Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation in September after less than a year as prime minister.Rice prices, excluding the luxury koshihikari variety,…

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