The war over the new crop of rice in Japan between private companies and JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) has left farmers in a state of confusion. With each side trying to outdo the other in terms of pricing and incentives, the ones caught in the middle are the growers of the staple grain themselves. Amidst the contention, the question arises - how should farmers choose the appropriate market and ensure a stable year-round income?

Rice, being the staple food in Japan, significantly impacts the country's economy and livelihood of farmers. This tussle over new rice between JA and private companies is seen as a tug-of-war, affecting everyday social life and Japan's long-held values of harmony and stability. Japanese farmers, traditionally allied with JA, now face a tough choice as new market forces emerge.

In the US or EU, similar issues occur when large corporations try to monopolize a given market, often leading to anti-trust issues. The farmers, however, have more options with accessible private and public marketplace, advanced commodity futures exchange, and government subsidies providing a buffer against such forces.