Chocolate Is Getting Pricier, and Consumers Are Adjusting Julie Howard2025-12-250894 views Volatility in cocoa supply is affecting more than prices; it is reshaping the overall structure of the chocolate industry. From raw material sourcing to consumer choices, the sweets market is… Read more
Japan’s Ice Cream Market Heats Up as Winter Consumption Surges Ferre Keira2025-12-2501.3K views The Japanese ice cream market continues to expand, with significant growth in winter sales. With improved living conditions, the rise of therapeutic consumption, and convenience stores pushing up prices, ice… Read more
Rising Food Prices in Japan Put Pressure on Year-End and New Year Holiday Meals Ferre Keira2025-12-1202.6K views With food prices hitting record highs, Japanese families face tight budgets for Christmas and New Year meals. The Kanto Smart Living Cooperative advises taking advantage of supermarket discounts, buying essentials… Read more
Japan’s Matcha Industry Confronts Climate-Driven Crisis Julie Howard2025-12-0301.7K views As global demand grows, driven by rising interest from international consumers, Japan’s tencha production has been affected by this year’s extreme heat, resulting in reduced yields and quality. With demand… Read more
Seafood Without the Sea? Aquaculture Rapidly Becomes Japan’s New Market Mainstream Julie Howard2025-11-2002.1K views Affected by climate change, declining seaweed beds, and volatile catch volumes, Japan’s seafood supply is undergoing a major shift from wild capture to aquaculture. The rapid expansion of fish farms… Read more
Japanese Miso Exports Hit Record High — Guess Which Country Is the Biggest Importer? Ferre Keira2025-11-0701.4K views Japanese miso exports hit a record high, with the US remaining the largest export destination. While miso is experiencing a global craze, other traditional fermented foods face the crisis of… Read more
Solo Hot Pots Boil Over in Japan: Inflation and Changing Lifestyles Drive a New Dining Trend Ferre Keira2025-11-0701.6K views The hot pot craze in Japan is surging again this winter, with inflation and the rise in solo living driving demand for individual hot pots. From supermarkets to chain restaurants,… Read more
Christmas Cakes Too Costly for Many in Japan — Rising Prices Spur Homemade and Budget-Friendly Alternatives Ferre Keira2025-11-0102.6K views Christmas cake prices have soared across Japan. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative suggests that people enjoy a warm Christmas in this era of high prices by using alternative desserts or making… Read more
Daily Drinks Getting Too Pricey? Over 2,000 Beverages See Price Hikes in Japan This October Business PR2025-10-0903K views A total of 3,024 food and beverage items will see price increases in October, with beverages making up the bulk of the increase. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative offers three money-saving… Read more
Japan’s Furusato Tax Donations Hit Record ¥1.27 Trillion in FY2024, Takarazuka City Tops List Ferre Keira2025-09-1204.8K views Japan’s Furusato Tax donations hit a record ¥1.27 trillion in FY2024. Takarazuka City ranked first with ¥25.668 billion, mainly from two major hospital donations, while popular rewards like seafood and… Read more