Tokyo, June 1, 2025 — AEON has started selling government stockpiled rice, attracting over 850 people before opening. The initiative, under a contract with the Japanese government, aims to provide affordable food amid rising costs.
AEON purchased 20,000 tons of 2022-harvested rice, selling it at 2,138 yen for a 5-kilogram bag, significantly lower than market rates. About 6,000 bags were available on launch day, with a limit of one bag per household.
“I’m so happy I was able to buy it,” one customer said, praising the price compared to the usual 4,000 yen.
Minister of Agriculture Shinjiro Koizumi visited an AEON store and expressed gratitude for the timely rollout.
A temporary suspension on applications from local rice retailers for stockpiled rice will begin June 2 due to high demand, as the government aims to stabilize prices amid inflation. Further distribution to retailers is planned in the coming weeks.