TOKYO, Jul 09 (News On Japan) –
As rice costs throughout Japan proceed to stay excessive, main comfort retailer chain Lawson has begun promoting rice balls made completely with aged rice for the primary time, beginning on July ninth.
At a manufacturing unit in Kanagawa Prefecture, employees have been seen shaping freshly steamed 2023-harvest rice into the acquainted triangle type. The product, branded as a “salt rice ball,” is being rolled out throughout roughly 250 shops in central Tokyo, priced at 127 yen—22 yen cheaper than these made with newly harvested rice.
A buyer in Tokyo commented, “Rice balls are expensive now. Something in the 120-yen range feels affordable. It’s a good option when you’re deciding between that and a cup noodle.”
Although the typical retail worth of rice in supermarkets has fallen again to ranges seen round 5 months in the past, costs stay roughly 1.6 occasions increased than final yr. In response, different comfort retailer operators are additionally contemplating the usage of authorities stockpiled rice in merchandise equivalent to boxed meals.
Source: TBS