Rice prices have soared for 13 straight weeks, with 5 kilograms now selling for over 4,000 yen ($25.53). This surge marks a record high for Japan’s staple grain, once a symbol of affordable comfort in households nationwide.
This year, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government has pushed ahead with expanded defense spending, citing regional tensions and alliance commitments. Officials plan to raise military allocations over the next two years, intensifying debates on national priorities.
In urban centers like Tokyo and Osaka, residents say the cost of a simple meal has ballooned. "Rice used to be the backbone of our budget-friendly dinners," explains Haruka Sato, a graphic designer in her thirties. "Now I’m calculating every yen to avoid overspending."
Economic analyst Keiko Matsumoto points out that while bolstered defense budgets aim to enhance security, they may also translate into higher taxes or reduced funding for social programs. "People see the trade-off in grocery aisles, not just balance sheets," she says.
The generational divide is growing. Young professionals juggling student loans and rising rents are voicing concerns online, using hashtags like #RiceOrDefense and #CostOfLiving. For many, the debate reflects a larger question: Can Japan safeguard its future without sacrificing daily relief?
As Japan charts its path forward, the rice-versus-defense dilemma underscores a universal challenge: balancing national security with everyday well-being. For a generation navigating economic pressures and global uncertainties, the stakes have never been clearer.
Reference(s):
Rice or defense? Japan's residents feel the cost of militarization
cgtn.com
