Rising food prices in Japan strain consumers

Food prices in Japan remain high due to various factors, with many consumers feeling the burden and experts warning that this trend may continue in the short term.

A fresh produce supermarket in Nerima in the Tokyo Metropolis has been operating for over 30 years, offering relatively low prices. So it is visited by consumers from farther areas in addition to nearby residents.

However, due to rising food prices, the store has recently had to significantly raise the prices of certain vegetables, with cabbage seeing a particularly sharp increase.

A medium-sized cabbage like this one is priced at 298 yen (about 1.91 U.S. dollars) here, while the market price is about 350 to 400 yen (about 2.25 to 2.57 U.S. dollars). We're selling it at a relatively low price, but even so, it's nearly double the price from previous years," said Akiba Hiromichi, manager of the supermarket.

According to the manager, the steep and prolonged rise in vegetable prices has caused a ripple effect, raising the cost of other food items as well.

Many consumers have expressed frustration over the soaring prices.

"Really, the prices of cabbages, Chinese cabbages, and various other items are constantly going up. It's tough for us," said one consumer.

"What used to buy a large piece like this now only buys one of this size. It's quite expensive," shared another consumer.

In addition, Japan's rice prices have also remained high. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, the wholesale price of new rice in December 2024 reached a record high of 24,665 yen (about 158 U.S. dollars) per 60 kilograms, 1.6 times higher than the same period of the previous year.

Experts point to abnormal weather conditions as a key factor driving the sharp rise in vegetable and rice prices.

Meanwhile, the recent yen depreciation, inflation, and rising labor costs have compounded the issue, driving up the costs of imported goods.

With multiple factors at play, experts predicted that high food prices may persist in the short term.

Rising food prices in Japan strain consumers

Rising food prices in Japan strain consumers

Twenty-nine people were confirmed missing as of 0:00 Sunday after a landslide struck southwest China's Sichuan Province, according to a preliminary investigation by the local government.

The disaster struck at around 11:50 on Saturday in Jinping Village, Junlian County, in the city of Yibin.

Officials from the Yibin government announced the data at a press conference on Sunday, noting that the final number is still being verified. They also stated that two people were rescued in the afternoon -- one severely injured and the other with minor injuries.

The landslide buried 11 houses, according to Yibin authorities. Officials stated that a preliminary analysis indicates continuous rainfall and geological conditions turned the high-altitude landslide into a debris flow. Currently, the landslide remains active.

About 200 residents have been evacuated to safety. Relevant departments urgently transported supplies and worked to ensure the basic living needs of the displaced people, including food, accommodation, and heating.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, ordered all-out search and rescue efforts to minimize casualties after the landslide.

Xi urged efforts to properly handle the aftermath. He stressed strengthening monitoring and early warning, ensuring the rescue work is carried out scientifically, and preventing the occurrence of secondary disasters.

29 people confirmed missing after landslide in Sichuan