Stored Rice and the Kyōhō Reforms (vocal. ver)

Koizumi Shinjirōs Stored Rice Policy (2025: Low-Cost Release of Stored Rice, Distribution Reform Bypassing JA Zen-Noh)
In response to a sharp rise in rice prices (a 98.6% increase in the Consumer Price Index for rice in 2025), Koizumi implemented a policy to release 300,000 tons of stored rice at low prices (approximately 2,000 yen per 5 kg).
The traditional competitive bidding system, led by JA Zen-Noh, often resulted in high bids, limiting its effectiveness in suppressing prices. Koizumi bypassed JA, opting instead to sell directly to major retailers like AEON and Rakuten through discretionary contracts.

JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) has monopolized rice collection and distribution, wielding significant influence over farmers and engaging in political lobbying activities (the so-called "Agricultural Policy Triangle" comprising JA, the LDPs agricultural faction, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries), which has entrenched vested interests.
Koizumi criticized JA as a source of inefficiency in distribution and a factor behind rising prices.

Tokugawa Yoshimunes Kyōhō Reforms (1732-1733: Stabilizing Rice Prices by Curbing Speculative Activities by Wealthy Merchants)
During the Kyōhō famine (1732-1733), rice prices skyrocketed (1 koku priced at approximately 3 ryō), leading to riots. Yoshimune identified speculative practices and hoarding by the Kōnoike merchant house as key issues.

The Kōnoike controlled the rice market, particularly the Dōjima Rice Exchange in Osaka, and wielded significant economic and political influence by serving as creditors to the shogunate and feudal lords.
In response, the shogunate established a rice exchange office and released stored rice to curb Kōnoikes influence and stabilize rice prices.