Rice supplies in Japan continue to be in short supply, with restrictions placed on its purchase at many supermarkets.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Sakamoto Tetsushi explained the reasons for it at a press conference on August 27.

Sakamoto cited hoarding rice in preparation for natural disasters at a time when stocks of new rice were low, and logistics delays due to the Obon holidays.

Shortages are expected to gradually recover, as first harvest rice usually becomes available starting in August, with distribution increasing in September.

Minister Sakamoto called on consumers to act calmly and buy only the amount of rice that they actually need.

However, he took a cautious stance on the release of stockpiled rice, as requested by Osaka Prefectural Governor Yoshimura Hirofumi.

Sakamoto said that such releases should be considered carefully as they could affect the supply, demand, and price of rice, which is basically distributed by the private sector.