noun
rice riot
Historical term referring to major rice riots in Japan, especially the 1918 Rice Riots (米騒動). Used in historical and political contexts.
1918年の米騒動は、米価の高騰がきっかけで全国に広がった。
The Rice Riots of 1918 spread nationwide, triggered by soaring rice prices.
noun
widespread rice shortage; rice panic
Jocular, humorous use likening a temporary rice shortage or panic buying to the historical riots. Often used in news headlines or casual conversation about empty rice shelves.
台風の後、スーパーで米騒動が起きた。
After the typhoon, there was a rice panic at the supermarket.