Key facts
- Over 3,000 food and drink products in Japan will see price increases from Thursday.
- The price hikes are attributed to higher wages, a weaker yen, and soaring energy and logistics costs.
- In September, prices for 4,965 items were increased.
- Teikoku Databank Ltd. described the price increases in September and October as another "wave of price hikes."
- Higher crude oil and naphtha prices have increased packaging material costs.
- The number of food and beverage items with price increases in 2026 has reached 20,187.
Japan is experiencing another surge in inflation, with prices for over 3,000 food and drink products set to increase from Thursday, October 1, 2026. This wave of price hikes follows a similar increase in September, when nearly 5,000 items became more expensive. Companies are citing rising costs for wages, packaging materials, energy, and logistics, exacerbated by a weaker yen and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
According to a survey by Teikoku Databank Ltd., 3,153 food and beverage items will see price increases in October. This follows price hikes for 4,965 items in September, leading the research firm to describe the two months as another "wave of price hikes."
The rising costs are attributed to higher crude oil and naphtha prices, which have driven up the expense of packaging materials. The weakening yen has also increased the cost of imported goods, prompting businesses to pass these expenses onto consumers. The total number of food and beverage items that have seen or are scheduled to see price increases in 2026 has now surpassed 20,000 for the second consecutive year.
By category, alcoholic and other beverages account for the largest share of the price increases, with 1,399 items affected. Seasonings will see 820 items increase in price, and processed foods will see 668 items become more expensive.
Specific examples of price adjustments include major brewers raising prices for beer-like drinks due to liquor tax rate changes. The yakitori chain Torikizoku will increase its uniform menu price from 390 yen to 410 yen. Oriental Land Co., the operator of Tokyo Disney Resort, will also raise its maximum entrance fees starting in October.
Beyond food and drink, utility costs are also rising. All 10 major power utilities are set to increase household electricity rates for October usage to record-high levels, with typical households seeing an increase of up to 1,578 yen. Major city gas suppliers will also be lifting their rates.