 |
| “It’s Past Its Date, But I Guess We’ve No Choice”: Akane Yoshizawa Comments on Government’s Old Rice Stock (Yahoo JP) |
On X (formerly Twitter), Akane Yoshizawa wrote:
“As a rice enthusiast, I wouldn’t even bother trying to eat it, but there’s a rice shortage so I guess it can’t be helped. It’s past its expiration date.”
Her comment was referring to emergency rice reserves now being distributed — some of which date back to the 2021 and 2022 harvests, dubbed “kokokokumai” (超-old rice) by netizens. With rice prices more than doubling in the past few months due to supply issues, the government stepped in with this release... but apparently, not everyone's keen on the quality.
Supporters Say “She’s Just Being Honest” — Critics Say “No One’s Forcing You to Eat It”
Akane Yoshizawa’s take split the room. Some praised her for speaking up as a self-proclaimed rice expert, saying she’s simply giving a realistic opinion on flavour and freshness. Others clapped back, noting that if she doesn’t want to eat it, she can just not eat it — no need to discourage those who might rely on it.
A few commenters even questioned whether she was being “overly dramatic” for clout, while others said her background as a sommelier gives her valid reason to be picky. “Old rice does lose its taste and smell. She’s not wrong technically,” one supporter wrote.
From Glam to Grains: Yoshizawa Akane’s Rice Obsession Isn’t Just for Show
 |
Yoshizawa Akane isn’t new to the rice game — she’s hosted “Tsuyahime earthen pot rice parties” (a high-end brand of white rice) twice before, sharing tips and techniques on getting the perfect fluff and shine. In fact, she even joked in a follow-up post:
“Shall we do a ‘super old rice tasting party’ next?”
The cheeky comment sparked plenty of replies — some light-hearted, others dead serious:
-
“Do a comparison cook-off, it’d be fascinating!”
-
“If anyone can make ancient rice taste good, it’s a certified sommelier!”
-
“I’d pay to see if you can actually tell the difference between aged rice tiers!”
Looks like even expired rice can cook up some proper entertainment.
Rice Woes in Japan: What’s the Real Problem?
Behind all the drama is a real issue — Japan’s facing one of its worst rice shortages in years. A mix of poor harvests, rising demand, and disrupted logistics has led to supermarket shelves being emptier and prices going up fast. The government’s move to release stockpiled rice was meant to relieve pressure, but with some of it dating back nearly three years, the flavour and quality are definitely in question.
Food experts have acknowledged that older rice isn’t dangerous to eat if stored properly, but it may be a bit dull on the taste buds — especially for purists like Yoshizawa.
So... Would You Eat It?
Whether Akane Yoshizawa was out of pocket or just speaking facts, one thing’s for sure — the rice shortage has hit close to home for Japanese citizens, and even closer for rice fanatics. With prices soaring and options limited, maybe it’s not about being picky anymore... but just having rice on the table at all.
As for Yoshizawa Akane’s super-aged rice party? Watch this space. Japan might just need a bit of humour to go with its next bowl.