スーパーのコメが「5キロで5000円」の異常事態に…「新米が出回ればコメ問題は解決」と繰り返してきた「農水省」に批判殺到
今のところ2月14日に備蓄米放出の概要が分かるという。果たしてコメが消費者の納得する価格に戻るか注目を集めている。
対応は場当たり的な気がするので、これから先もコメの価格はある程度高いままだということが想定できます。人口は増え、米農家が減り、高齢者が増えている現状で、日本の農家は誰がやるのか？最近は周りでも米を作っているという人は増えています。しかしそれはスポット的なものににすぎません。
父親の実家が米農家だったこともあり、田んぼを引き継ぐ話は昔から出ていましたが、おそらく父親と父の兄との関係の問題からどうなることかわかりませんが米を作りたいと考えています。昨年岩手に法事で行った時に、伯父に「米作りたい」という話をしましたが、父親からストップの話が。昔は「あいつの養子になれ」とかひどいことを言う父親だったので、打算的な父親の話に伯父がカチンときたのかもしれません。
10年ぐらい前から、いずれは農業をやりたいと思っていました。どう考えても日本の少子高齢化で米を作る人は減るわけで、ただし世界の人口は増え、発展途上国が成長し、世界中で食料の取り合いが行われている現状を考えたら、自分の食べ物を自分で確保する、は当たり前かと思います。トランプ大統領がやっていることがまさに当たり前の政策で、自国を守る施策はしなければならない。米がないなら米を自分で作らなければならない、と思うのは至極当然のこと。
父親も母親も大谷翔平の生まれた岩手県奥州市の出身。岩手自体には夏休みや葬式、法事などと数えるほどしか行っていませんが、やはり田舎ならではの良さがあります。米づくりプロジェクトを現実にすべく岩手と横浜の二拠点生活を行うために、暴走癖のある父親を通り越して、伯父に直接直談判して米づくりをスタートさせようと本気で考え中です。
ITはどこに居てもできますしね。
The “5kg of rice for 5,000 yen” crisis at supermarkets has drawn heavy criticism towards the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), which has been repeating the message that “the rice issue will be resolved once the new harvest hits the market.”
As of now, details regarding the release of reserve rice are expected on February 14. Many are watching closely to see if rice prices will return to a level acceptable to consumers.
However, the government’s approach feels reactive and short-term. Given the current situation—Japan’s declining population, an aging society, and fewer rice farmers—it’s likely that rice prices will remain relatively high. Although I have seen some people around me start rice farming recently, these efforts are often spotty and short-lived.
My father’s family comes from a rice farming background, and discussions about taking over the family’s rice fields have surfaced several times. But due to strained relations between my father and his older brother, the situation remains uncertain. Last year, during a memorial service in Iwate, I told my uncle that I wanted to start rice farming, but my father quickly shut down the idea. My father, who has a history of making calculated and harsh remarks like “You should be adopted by him,” may have upset my uncle, complicating the situation further.
For about 10 years now, I’ve been thinking seriously about engaging in agriculture. Considering Japan’s demographic challenges and the global population growth—along with increasing competition for food due to developing countries’ rapid growth—I believe it’s only natural to secure your own food. What former U.S. President Donald Trump did through policies aimed at national self-sufficiency reflects this very idea: nations must protect their food supply. If rice becomes scarce, the logical step is to grow it yourself.
Both of my parents are originally from Oshu City in Iwate Prefecture, the same place where Shohei Ohtani was born. While my visits to Iwate have been limited to summer vacations, funerals, and memorial services, I’ve come to appreciate the unique charm of rural life. To make my rice farming dream a reality and establish a dual-base lifestyle between Iwate and Yokohama, I’m seriously considering bypassing my impulsive father and negotiating directly with my uncle to kick-start this project.
株式会社ASAP
及川知也
