Government measures to bring down the cost of Japan's staple food appear to be bearing fruit. A nationwide survey shows the price of rice at supermarkets falling for a fifth straight week, hitting a four-month low.
The agriculture ministry released results for the week through June 22.
The average price of a 5-kilogram bag was 3,801 yen, including tax, or about 26 dollars -- down 3 percent from the previous week. But, that was still about 70 percent higher from a year earlier.
Explaining the trend, ministry officials point to the widespread sale of cheaper grain released from national stockpiles. It's sold directly to retailers through no-bid contracts.
The price of blended rice and other types fell 4 percent.
There was almost no change in what shops are charging for brand varieties from a single origin.
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