Fact Check: Japan rice prices skyrocketed 101.7% in May, the largest increase in 50 years!

Fact Check: "Japan rice prices skyrocketed 101.7% in May, the largest increase in 50 years!"

What We Know

The claim that "Japan rice prices skyrocketed 101.7% in May, the largest increase in 50 years" is based on recent reports indicating a significant rise in rice prices in Japan. According to a CNBC article, rice prices indeed more than doubled in May 2025, with a reported increase of 101.7% year-over-year. This spike is noted as the largest increase in over half a century, aligning with the claim made.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's report states that the price for a 5-kilogram bag of rice rose to 4,051 yen (approximately USD 27.41), marking a 77% increase from the previous year, which is also significant but does not fully corroborate the 101.7% figure for May specifically (USDA report).

Analysis

The assertion of a 101.7% increase in rice prices is supported by multiple sources, including the aforementioned CNBC report, which directly states this percentage and contextualizes it within the broader economic landscape of Japan, where core inflation has reached its highest level since January 2023 (CNBC). This increase is attributed to various factors, including supply chain disruptions and increased demand.

However, the USDA report indicates a 77% increase in rice prices, which, while substantial, does not match the 101.7% figure for May. This discrepancy raises questions about the accuracy of the claim. The USDA report provides a broader context of rice prices over time, suggesting that while prices are indeed rising sharply, the specific percentage cited in the claim may not be entirely accurate.

The reliability of the sources is generally high. CNBC is a well-established news outlet known for its financial reporting, while the USDA is a credible government agency that provides data on agricultural commodities. However, the potential for misinterpretation or miscommunication of statistics can occur, especially when comparing year-over-year data with monthly data.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

While rice prices in Japan did see a significant increase of 101.7% in May, the claim lacks context and precision when compared to other credible sources that report a 77% increase. The assertion that this is the largest increase in 50 years is somewhat accurate but requires clarification regarding the specific percentage and timeframe. Therefore, the claim, as stated, is misleading and should be considered false.

Sources

1. Continued High Prices for Japanese Table Rice Leads to High Import Demand and Release of Government Emergency Rice Supplies
2. Japan Travel and Living Guide
3. Asia stock markets today: live updates for June 20 2025 - CNBC
4. Japan National Tourism Organization - Official Site
5. Rice prices in Japan more than double in May as core inflation jumps to highest levels since 2023
6. Japan National Tourism Organization - Official Site for Australians and New Zealanders
7. Japan's core inflation has reached a new high since 2023
8. Japan Travel Guide - Destinations