03-08-2025
Prices of more than 1,000 food items rising in August in Japan
Food inflation is accelerating in Japan, driven mainly by higher ingredient costs.
Private research firm Teikoku Databank polled 195 major domestic food makers. It found that price hikes averaging 11 percent are planned for 1,010 items in August.
Food prices are rising faster than last year for the eighth month in a row.
Seasonings, including spices and broths, account for the largest number at 470. This is followed by 281 dairy items like milk and yoghurt, and 109 processed-food products, such as frozen foods.
The research firm cites surging material prices and higher production costs as contributing factors.
Teikoku Databank expects hikes for more than 19,000 items by November. That would be over 50 percent more products priced higher than the total number in 2024.
Furthermore, the number of food items in line for price hikes in October is likely to top 3,000. The figure is the second largest after that in April.
The research firm says some manufacturers are taking steps in anticipation of further rises in costs, making it highly likely food inflation will continue as a long-term trend.
