Japan's government has announced plans to release 210,000 tonnes of emergency rice in response to the staple food's soaring prices. Previously, such a move was reserved for times of emergency, such as major earthquakes,

The government will release up to 210,000 tons of its stockpiled rice, farm minister Taku Eto said Friday, in a bid to ensure smooth distribution of the Japanese staple amid soaring prices. The first-ever release from the rice reserves is aimed at lowering prices in supermarkets and other retailers.