The average rice price in about 1,000 Japanese supermarkets fell to ¥3,920 per 5 kilograms in the week through June 15.
This marks the first time prices have dipped below ¥4,000 since early March and the fourth consecutive weekly decline.
The drop of ¥256 from the previous week is the largest weekly fall since March 2022.
Government release of stockpiled rice under discretionary contracts, extended to smaller retailers, helped push prices down.
Despite the recent decline, prices remain ¥1,772 higher than a year ago, and officials warn that efforts to curb high prices must continue.
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