Japan's convenience stores are responding to the rapid increase in rice prices by using different techniques to extend the shelf life of their products.
The goal is to reduce costs by cutting back on waste.
The Lawson chain is selling frozen rice balls with best-by-dates a full year ahead. They're also about 20 percent cheaper because the company can buy more of the grain for freezing instead of immediate use.
Rival FamilyMart says it has changed the way it steams rice used in fresh products and this extends the expiry period by two hours.
The chain now uses the method in about 70 types of rice balls, boxed lunches and other products.
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