The price of rice in Japanese supermarkets has continued to fall for the third consecutive week.

Data released by Japan on Monday showed that as of June 8, the average price of rice in Japanese supermarkets has been falling for the third consecutive week, reflecting the government's release of discounted rice from emergency reserves. After the soaring prices of rice in Japan, the new Minister of Agriculture ended the system of distributing emergency rice through auctions last month, opting instead to enter into direct full-service contracts with retailers. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan stated that in the seven days leading up to June 8, the average price of rice in supermarkets decreased by 48 yen to 4,176 yen compared to the previous week. This price is nearly double that of the same period last year and higher than what Prime Minister Shizo Abe said is the appropriate level.