TOKYO, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- The number of food items subject to price hikes this month has reached 1,656 in Japan, exceeding 1,000 items for the second consecutive month, according to a private research firm.

A survey conducted by Teikoku Databank covering 195 major food manufacturers in Japan revealed that 1,656 food items will see price increases in February, following a similar trend in January.

By category, processed foods such as frozen foods and chilled noodles account for the largest portion at 589 items, followed by seasonings such as barbecue sauce at 357 items and confectionery including jelly, cereal products, and chocolate at 329 items.

The survey attributes the price increases to the continued depreciation of the yen, which has raised import procurement costs, along with rising labor and logistics expenses.

If the current pace continues, the total number of price increases in 2025 could reach between 15,000 and 20,000 items, significantly surpassing the 12,500 items affected last year.

Teikoku Databank warns that with rice prices continuing to soar, related food products are also expected to see price hikes, and significant price increases will likely continue at least until summer. Enditem

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