Some 29 percent of Japanese rice farmers said they are willing to increase their acreage for next year's harvest, a farm ministry survey showed Friday, as rice prices remain near record highs. The online survey of 8,095 farmers, conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries from June to August, found that 56 percent plan to maintain their current acreage for the 2026 crop. Japan has seen rice prices remain around record highs following a surge in 2024, despite government efforts to curb prices by releasing rice from stockpiles.