The conflict in Iran has primarily led to a rise in oil prices globally. However, this surge in price is not limited to Iran nor to just the oil industry; it affects the world’s economy and also disrupts markets in various other fields, namely food and agriculture. Despite this already being an issue in the initial stages of the turmoil in Iran, this economic issue in the food industry has been exacerbated by the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, which has increased the price of exported fertilizer coming from China. Thereby, Japan has also been greatly affected by this outcome, and so has the St. Mary’s community.
Rice is a one of Japan’s most heavily and widely farmed crops. It is a staple and the heart of Japanese cuisine, being the main ingredient in many popular foods ranging from sushi to onigiri. Moreover, onigiri is also one of the most widely consumed foods in St. Mary’s. Whether as a quick bite during a hectic morning rush to school or as a hearty lunch to eat while chatting with friends, it is onigiri that the St. Mary’s Titans look forward to as their go-to. Wataro, a Class of ’28 sophomore swimmer at St. Mary’s, states that onigiri is “the thing I eat everyday for energy; it’s something I can’t go without with.” Yet, due to the increase in the price of fertilizer from about 4000 yen to about 6000 yen per kilogram after only two months after the Strait of Hormuz’s closing, rice will be much more expensive to farm, leading to an increase in the price of rice. Onigiri prices will most likely see a 20 yen to 50 yen increase in the near future (BBC). Although it may seem like a small jump at first, over time, this increase will most certainly add up rapidly.
Hence, this issue is of importance to both Iran and neighboring countries. The increase in fertilizer prices due to the closing of the Strait of Hormuz from unrest in Iran takes a toll not only on farmers worldwide, but the St. Mary’s community as well. It is an issue that will only be rectified once the Iran War comes to an end.
