Enamel Sign Vintage Japanese Rice licensed dealer Double Sided Neon Bar Retro Anime Cocktail Industrial Interior. Cool Vintage Japanese Enamel Sign. Simple striking blue and white design, double sided. Please refer to photos. ?? = Rice (In Hiragana). = Rice (In Kanji). Please check out my other auctions for more Japanese vintage, retro, industrial and antique bits. In 1951 Rice stores began as a rationed system, then changed to a registration system by prefectural governors, a permit system in 1982, a registration system under the Food Law in 1995, and a notification system in 2004. This history illustrates the transition from a government-mandated rice distribution system to one that made it easier for various retailers, such as supermarkets and convenience stores, to enter the market. After the war, rice was collected by agricultural cooperatives and distributed to consumers through the Food Agency and the Rice Distribution Corporation. The Rice Distribution Corporation was dissolved, and instead, retailers registered with prefectural governors took over the distribution role. The need for rice passbooks gradually diminished, and the rationing system became a mere name. The 1982 revision of the Food Control Law abolished the rationing system and introduced a prefectural governor licensing system for retail businesses. The Food Law, enacted in 1995, restored the registration system for retail businesses. This change made it easier for a variety of businesses, including convenience stores, to enter the rice sales business beyond rice stores. In 2004, the system was further relaxed and shifted to a notification system. Decrease in Rice Stores As the system changed, the number of rice stores has been declining. Number of Rice Stores Nationwide. Around 1990: Approximately 100,000. As of 2022: Approximately 40,000. Reasons for the Decline. Changing eating habits (increase in non-white rice ingredients and eating out). Expansion of rice sales through supermarkets and convenience stores.