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
International students from Asian countries call for more concrete actions, from energy-saving habits in daily life to organizing new campaigns, to promote a greener future ahead of the upcoming Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025.
The conference, scheduled for March 25 to 28 in Boao, South China's Hainan Province, has the theme "Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future. " It will focus on development, foster dialogue, explore innovative formats and value tangible outcomes.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), several Asian youths studying in China shared a raft of measures people can take daily to promote green development.
"I think a simple way of making an impactful step for our environment is definitely try to use more public transportation instead of using private vehicles, but I definitely also think that we need to improve on our public transportation as well," said Celia Annetta from Indonesia.
"I believe young people can make big differences by making little actions every day, like reducing waste, saving energy, so turning off the lights and unplugging devices when not in use and spread awareness about it, but also be more eco-friendly," said Adel Baktygulova, a student from Kyrgyzstan.
"By reducing waste, recycling and choosing eco-friendly products, we can minimize our environmental footprint, embracing sustainable habits like conserving energy and water, using green transportations and supporting renewable energy," said Do Pham Ngoc Die, a student from Vietnam.
The youths also shared their views on the roles that international students in China can play in promoting green development and addressing global challenges, including climate change and resource shortages.
"In the context of global changes, I believe that we as the young people can be very powerful. One of my friends from Malaysia is actively involved in many environmental awareness campaigns and he was also one of the executives in the Net Zero Future Association here at Tsinghua. Last year I was one of the hosts to host his campaign and we made a video that showcased how waste materials could be transformed into souvenirs like keychains and also the video highlighted how many creative ways for the waste materials to be repurposed. So this is the idea to spread a message of sustainability and also encourage others like the people around us to take actions and to promote a greener lifestyle," said Cheong Chee Wah from Malaysia.
"As international students in China, we can share our cultural perspectives on green energy, share how our governments, our countries are working towards a green and sustainable future. This can spark new ideas, new dialogues and new initiatives," said Adel Baktygulova.
"We can organize awareness campaigns, participate in campus sustainability activities and use social media to educate others about environmental issues. By collaborating on research, volunteering for local eco-projects and advocating for green policies, we can inspire other students and communities to adopt eco-friendly habits", said Do Pham Ngoc Die.
Int’l students on more concrete actions for greener development ahead of Boao Forum
