Rice is at the heart of Japanese cuisine and daily eating habits. For generations, it has been the country’s staple food and is served with almost every traditional meal. In Japan, rice is valued not only for its taste but also as a symbol of prosperity, gratitude, and good harvests. However, according to the Rice Stable Supply Support Organization, Japan’s average monthly rice consumption per person recently fell 6.1 percent to 4,435 grams—a seven-year low for the year ended March 2026. This reflects consumers shifting away from the staple food after supply shortages sparked a price surge in recent years, according to rice association data.The figure was the lowest since fiscal 2018 when the average stood at 4,426 grams, with the decline from the 4,722 grams in fiscal 2024 equivalent to 4.4 bowls of rice, recent data by Rice Stable Supply Support Organization showed.
Why is the decline happening
While no official data shows the reason behind the decline, the efforts are being made to improve the consumption of rice in the country.
What is the solution
With the decline in rice consumption, the farm ministry is now encouraging the use of rice flour to make sweets as a way of expanding how the dietary staple is consumed. According to Japan Today report, products made from rice flour by 22 manufacturers from across the country were introduced in an event at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
What all can be made with rice flour
According to the report, the event showcased various confectioneries, including cookies, baumkuchen and brownies, which contained varying amounts of rice flour. It is reported that by using rice flour, people can skip the roasting process and give these sweets a Japanese twist.
Why is there a spike in demand for rice flour
According to the report, global demand for rice flour is growing because it does not contain gluten, which is believed to cause wheat allergies. Farm minister Norikazu Suzuki attended the event and announced his goal of doubling the demand for rice flour from the 2025 figure to 130,000 tons by 2030, expressing hope that consumers would choose rice flour products because of their delicious flavor.
5 Japanese dishes made with Rice Flour
Mochi: This is one of the most famous traditional desserts in Japan and is made with glutinous rice flour or pounded sticky. It can be eaten plain or stuffed with sweet red bean paste, fruit, ice cream or other fillings.Dango: Small, chewy dumplings made from rice flour, served on bamboo skewers.Usually they are glazed with sweet soy, filled with red bean paste or coated with soybean flour.Shiratama Dango: A dessert dumpling made with shiratamako, a special kind of glutinous rice flour, and served with sweet syrup, fruit, green tea ice cream or red bean soup. It is soft and smooth.Senbei: These are crispy Japanese rice crackers made with rice flour or cooked rice, often flavored with soy sauce, seaweed, sesame seeds, or spices.Komeko Cookies: Japanese rice flour cookies that are light, crispy and naturally gluten free. They also use ingredients like matcha, black sesame, yuzu, vanilla or cocoa.