TOKYO, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Some 85.7 percent of respondents in Japan expected prices to go up in the coming year while 31.1 percent predicted significant rises as a high level of inflation concern persists, results from a Bank of Japan survey showed Friday.

Expectations for inflation over the next five years remained high, with 82 percent anticipating price increases and 45.8 percent forecasting significant rises, according to the survey on household sentiment.

The survey also highlighted financial strain among households. Responses indicating "reduced financial ease" rose to 57.1 percent, a more than 4-point increase, reflecting the impact of rising costs for essentials such as food.

The results came as Japan has faced the ongoing inflation and a decline in real wages. Attention was focused on whether this year's labor negotiations will result in wage increases that outpace inflation. Enditem

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