More than 3,000 products affected in October
Food prices in Japan continue to rise on a large scale, although the latest data suggests that the current wave of increases may be approaching its peak. According to a survey released by Teikoku Databank on September 30, prices for 3,153 food and beverage items are scheduled to increase in October 2026.
The October total marks the second consecutive month in which more than 3,000 products have been affected. It follows a much larger increase involving 4,965 items in September, making October the second-highest monthly total recorded in Japan during 2026. The average increase per product is approximately 10 percent.
Across the period from January through December, already announced price revisions have reached 20,187 items. This means Japan is expected to record more than 20,000 food price increases for the second consecutive year, highlighting the continuing pressure on both manufacturers and consumers.
Beverages and seasonings lead October increases
By category, alcoholic beverages and drinks accounted for the largest share of October’s increases, with 1,399 items affected. The category includes beer-like beverages subject to tax changes, shochu and other alcoholic products, as well as soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages.
Seasonings followed with 820 products. Planned increases include mayonnaise, soy sauce and various sauces commonly used in Japanese households. Processed foods, including canned products, frozen and chilled meals, and food for infants and young children, will also see widespread price revisions.
November is currently expected to bring increases for 1,469 items. Although that figure is roughly ten times higher than the number recorded in November of the previous year, it represents a significant decline from September and October. Teikoku Databank therefore expects the current “price hike rush” to ease temporarily after peaking in October.
Rising costs continue to affect everyday life
For the full year, processed foods are the largest category, with 6,961 items affected. That figure is more than 40 percent higher than the previous year’s total of 4,791. Seasonings follow with 6,250 items, while alcoholic beverages and drinks account for 3,309 items and confectionery products for 1,390 items. Four of the major food categories have already exceeded their totals from the previous year.
Raw material costs were cited as a factor in 91.3 percent of the announced increases. Energy costs, including electricity, were involved in 63.8 percent, while the weaker yen was cited in 8.1 percent of cases. In addition, 27.8 percent of the price revisions were linked to the situation in the Middle East.
For consumers in Japan, these changes can be felt in routine purchases, from breakfast staples and lunch items to drinks, cooking ingredients and snacks. Japanese manufacturers frequently respond to cost pressures not only by raising prices, but also by reducing package sizes while keeping the sticker price unchanged. The survey includes these so-called “effective price increases.”
Further increases remain possible
Teikoku Databank said the 2026 increases reflect a combination of higher energy and packaging costs linked to geopolitical tensions, as well as domestic inflationary pressure from rising wages and distribution expenses. Although some signs of slower inflation have appeared, including lower rice prices in certain periods, the overall cost environment remains difficult.
Future food prices will continue to depend on developments in the Middle East, foreign exchange markets and global commodity prices. A yen exchange rate above 150 to the U.S. dollar would keep import costs elevated, while extreme weather such as heavy rain and drought could create supply concerns for agricultural, fishery and livestock products.
The company expects the number of food price increases in 2026 to remain broadly comparable with the previous year. Intermittent increases are also likely to continue into 2027, meaning Japanese households may see temporary relief after October but are unlikely to experience a complete end to food inflation in the near future.
The figures are based on announcements by major food manufacturers. Products increased more than once during the year are counted separately for each revision, and the highest announced increase rate is used where applicable.
