With an expressed intention to boost Japan's rice production, the Prime Minister has clearly indicated a shift toward promoting domestic agriculture. The aim is to offset the decline in areas of traditional farming, enhance food self-sufficiency, and enliven rural economies.

In Japan, rice has been a staple and symbol of the agricultural sector. Over the years, however, a decline in rice consumption has been countered with growing imports of other food products, leading to concerns about food self-sufficiency. With the Prime Minister's recent direction, attention is turned to sustaining Japan's rural farming industries and ensuring food security. This move is likely to spark debates on its economic sustainability, given the country's ageing farmer population and the competition with cheaper imports.

While in countries like the US and EU, agricultural policies often involve subsidized farming and a mix of cash crops, Japan's focus has been predominantly on rice. The approach of boosting domestic production instead of relying on imports is somewhat similar to efforts of other nations aimed at preserving their agricultural heritage while ensuring food security.