Prices of Nearly 5,000 Items Set to Rise in Japan in September

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Nearly 5,000 food and beverage products in Japan are set to see price increases in September, a more than threefold rise from the previous year and the highest since April 2023. This surge is driven by rising crude oil and packaging costs, inflation, and a weaker yen, signaling sustained inflationary pressures in Japan’s food sector through the rest of 2026.

Prices for nearly 5,000 food and beverage items in Japan are expected to increase in September, marking a significant rise compared to the same period last year, according to a recent survey by Teikoku Databank. The number of items slated for price hikes—4,923—represents more than a threefold increase from the 1,467 items reported in September 2025, and is the highest monthly total since April 2023.

The surge in price adjustments reflects a range of factors, chief among them a spike in crude oil and naphtha prices driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Naphtha, a crude oil derivative used in the production of plastics and packaging materials, has seen cost increases that have contributed to the overall rise in product prices. Additionally, companies have faced higher personnel and logistics expenses along with inflationary pressures attributable to a weakening yen, which has driven up import costs.

The survey, which compiled data from 195 major food manufacturers across Japan, underscores broad-based inflationary trends affecting multiple segments within the food and beverage sector. Seasoning products account for the largest share of price increases in September, including well-known brands such as Kikkoman Corp’s soy sauce and Mizkan Holdings Co’s vinegar, with 1,959 items in this category expected to become more expensive.

Despite some efforts by major convenience store chains to reduce prices on selected items, such as rice balls, challenges related to rising labor and logistics costs are anticipated to persist, exerting upward pressure on prices going forward.

Based on current trends, Teikoku Databank forecasts that the total number of price-increased food and beverage items for the entire year of 2026 will surpass last year’s total of 20,609. The number of items seeing price hikes is also expected to remain high in October, with more than 3,000 products projected to rise in cost.

These developments highlight ongoing inflationary pressures within Japan’s food manufacturing sector amid volatile global energy markets and currency fluctuations, which continue to weigh on consumer prices.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.