On March 31, 2025, major food and drink companies in Japan are set to raise prices on 4,225 products, according to Teikoku Databank Ltd. This marks the first time since October 2023 that the number of items facing price hikes has exceeded 4,000, and it reflects an ongoing trend of increasing costs.
This increase comes amid rising wages and logistics costs, which are putting more pressure on prices. A spokeswoman from Teikoku Databank predicts that by the end of the year, around 20,000 products will see price increases, a significant jump from 12,520 last year.
Notably, many popular beer brands will also hike their prices for the first time in 18 months. For instance, Asahi Breweries plans to raise shipping prices for its Super Dry beer and over 225 other products. Suntory Spirits is also increasing the price of its 350-milliliter “Kinmugi” beer-like drink—from about 184 yen to approximately 196 yen at convenience stores.
Other food items affected include hams and sausages from Prima Meat Packers and Marudai Food Co., as well as a notable rise in the price of edible oils. For example, the one-liter Nisshin Canola Oil from Nisshin Oillio Group will increase by about 11%.
This trend highlights a larger pattern in the economy. According to a recent report from the Japan National Tax Agency, food prices in Japan have steadily increased over the past year, with many consumers expressing concern about their ability to manage living expenses. Social media has been buzzing with reactions, as people share their thoughts on rising costs and how it impacts their daily lives.
Experts suggest that this pattern isn’t just a local issue but reflects broader global trends that affect food supply chains. Climate change, geopolitical tensions, and shifting consumer habits are all contributing factors leading to price hikes not only in Japan but worldwide.
For more details, you can check out the full report from the Japan National Tax Agency here.
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Source linkJiji Press
