Abstract
In recent years, rice prices in Japan have continued to rise, marked by notable regional disparities and volatility. This study adopts an integrated geographical perspective to examine the multifaceted drivers behind these trends. Physically, climate change and limited arable land constrain stable rice production. Human factors such as the rice acreage reduction policy, rural depopulation, and shifting consumer demand raise costs and intensify spatial price differences. Economically, Japan’s mountainous terrain increases logistics costs, while weak supply chain resilience and uneven grain reserve distribution undermine market regulation. Trade-wise, protectionist policies limit rice imports, reducing supply flexibility. The paper aims to clarify the geographical mechanisms shaping rice price dynamics and offer policy insights to strengthen regional food system resilience.
