Japan is facing a serious rice shortage due to severe weather that ruined last year’s crop. Last summer’s high temperatures and dry weather greatly reduced rice production and quality. Because of this, Japan’s rice reserves are now at their lowest level in 25 years. The situation is made worse by more tourists, which has led to empty shelves in supermarkets. Some stores are limiting how much rice each customer can buy. To solve this, Saitama, north of Tokyo, is developing new rice varieties that can withstand high temperatures. Scientists are testing “emihokoro,” a heat-resistant type, as part of a national effort to improve rice quality under tough conditions. Researchers at Saitama’s Agricultural Technology Research Centre are experimenting with various seeds to find the best ones. Despite these efforts, rice prices have gone up a lot. By June 2024, private rice stocks were very low, and prices, except for premium types like “koshihikari,” increased the most in over 20 years. The shortage may continue into next year, and the government is worried that climate change could make things worse.