Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Visits Rice Farms in Paju to Directly Check Korean Rice Production

Shinjiro Koizumi, the Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, visited rice farms in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, to observe Korea's rice production and distribution system during his trip to Korea for the '2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Food Security Ministers Meeting' held in Incheon.

On the 11th, the Farmers News reported that Minister Koizumi visited the rice fields of farmer Kim Yong-deok, located in Wollyong-myeon, Paju, on the 10th.

According to the report, the site was attended by Lee Byung-jik, head of the Paju Agricultural Technology Center, Lee Cheon-il, head of the Agricultural Cooperatives Economic Holdings’ Crop Support Headquarters, Shin Young-kyun, chairman of the Paju Tan-hyun Agricultural Cooperative, and Hwang Ik-soo, CEO of the Paju Agricultural Cooperative Rice Joint Business Corporation.

Minister Koizumi's visit is interpreted as a demonstration of his intention to directly check Korea's rice production system and search for measures to stabilize rice supply and demand in Japan.

He stated, "This year, there has been no typhoon damage to either Korea or Japan so far, but we are still fighting against the weather." During the 20-minute walk along the agricultural road in the scorching heat nearing 35°C, he actively exchanged opinions about the rice industry.

Interest in Japanese Rice Price Surge and Korean Rice Distribution System

While examining the rice growth conditions, Minister Koizumi explained the recent trends in Japanese rice prices and pest incidences.

He mentioned, "Japanese rice prices have risen 2.5 times in a year," stating that "despite high tariffs, foreign rice from the U.S., Thailand, and Taiwan has been significantly imported through private channels, and the government has released reserve rice to stabilize the market." Furthermore, he added, "This year, Japan is facing severe damage from the rice bug, and the government plans to provide additional support for pest control."

In particular, he showed great interest in Korea's rice purchasing method. Minister Koizumi examined various packaging specifications (500g, 1kg, 4kg, 10kg, 20kg) of Paju rice brands such as 'Hansuwi', 'Pyeonghwa Miso', and 'Ilpyeon Bapsim' displayed on-site, paying attention to the sales standards and prices.

He noted, "In Japan, a 5kg package is standard, while 4kg packages are mainstream in Korea." After learning that the domestic consumer price for a 4kg package is around 19,000 won, he nodded in acknowledgment.

According to data from the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the retail price of rice in Japan between July 21 and 27 was 3,625 yen (approximately 34,000 won) for a 5kg package.

Japanese rice prices rose sharply to 4,285 yen (approximately 40,000 won) in mid-May, just before Minister Koizumi took office, which was more than double compared to the previous year, but have slightly decreased due to government policies regarding the release of reserve rice at half price.

In a subsequent press conference, Minister Koizumi stated, "I learned new points regarding Korea's rice purchasing methods and packaging units," adding, "I will reflect my on-site experiences in Japanese policies."

He emphasized, "Although the rice supply and demand situations in both countries are different, the challenge of achieving stable production and supply is the same," expressing gratitude towards the farmers who are desperately producing rice amidst extreme climatic conditions, which is a sentiment shared universally.

Image Source: On August 11, 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin poses for a commemorative photo with Shinjiro Koizumi, Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, before their meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' reception room in Seoul. (Joint Coverage) 2025.8.11/News1, Material photo for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank, Shinjiro Koizumi, Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries / facebook '小泉 進次郎'