Japan has revamped its agriculture policy to target a sharp increase in rice exports over the next five years. The move comes amid a surge in domestic prices for Japan’s main staple food.

The agriculture ministry aims for exports of 353,000 tons of rice, including pre-cooked products, in 2030. That’s a 7.5-fold jump from current levels.

Officials hope the decision will give farmers an incentive to plant more of the grain, which will also help ease supply shortages at home.

The 5-year plan looks beyond rice to boost food and beverage spending by the record numbers of overseas visitors to Japan. The ministry expects this revenue to grow 2.8-times to 4.5 trillion yen or more than 30 billion dollars.

The ministry also sees opportunities overseas for Japanese restaurants and food makers. It expects their foreign earnings to climb 1.8-fold to around 20 billion dollars in the same period.

Published Date: April 14, 2025