TOKYO- Japan's internal affairs ministry on Wednesday urged the country's central and local governments to do more to address an expected rise in the number of people with limited access to grocery stores.

An increasing number of people in Japan are expected to live in areas where there are no shops nearby, due to the country's falling population and low fertility rates, the ministry said.

The ministry said it is unclear which government agency is responsible for the issue and that communication within the government is insufficient.

In addition, the definition of those facing such shopping difficulties is unclear, it said.

The agriculture ministry estimates that the number of people facing such a situation in Japan at some 3.72 million, while the industry ministry puts the figure at some seven million. (Jiji Press)