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Japan Announces Price Hikes for Approximately 2,800 Food Items in April
Sustained Price Increases and Supermarket Responses
In Japan, the Consumer Price Index continues to rise, with March figures for Tokyo's 23 wards showing a 9.9% increase for beverages and a 7.9% increase for fresh fish and seafood compared to the same period last year. In response to these rising prices, the Shin Sen Ichiba Higashihongo store in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, held a month-end sale on March 31. However, even during this sale, store employees were seen replacing price tags in preparation for upcoming price increases in April. The store manager stated that the continuous rise in raw material costs has made price hikes unavoidable.
April's 'Price Hike Rush' and Consumer Stockpiling
According to Teikoku Databank, approximately 2,798 food items will see price increases in April. Seasonings like mayonnaise and dressings are the most affected categories, with instant noodles and cooking oil also included. For cooking oil, Nisshin Oillio Group expects an 8-14% increase, Showa Sangyo over 15%, and J-Oil Mills 9-14%. Consequently, many consumers visited month-end sales to buy daily necessities while prices were still low. One 50-year-old consumer mentioned purchasing eight additional bottles of cooking oil, despite having enough at home, due to the exceptionally low prices.
Everyday Wisdom for Saving Money
Amid rising inflation, consumers are adopting various strategies to save money. One family, who loves mayonnaise, is trying to reduce its consumption by using vinegar or Japanese-style dashi in salads to enhance flavor and richness. This approach helps them cut down on mayonnaise while maintaining taste satisfaction. Teikoku Databank warned that food price increases could accelerate in the latter half of the year, depending on the situation in the Middle East.
*Source: YouTube: 日テレNEWS (2026-03-31)*
