TOKYO, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- The trend of rising food prices in Japan is forecast to continue next year as more than 3,900 food items are set for price increases between January and April, data from a research firm showed.
According to Teikoku Databank, 3,933 food items have been confirmed for price hikes, based on announcements from 195 domestic food manufacturers as of the end of November.
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks lead the list with 1,251 items, followed by bread at 1,227 items, and processed foods such as frozen items and rice cakes at 1,040 items.
High cost of raw materials continues to be the primary cause for these price increases, though a significant rise in costs related to logistics and labor has also been noted. The report predicts that such persistent factors will drive further price hikes throughout the coming year.
Earlier data showed Japan's inflation rate has remained at or above the 2 percent target of the BOJ since April 2022. ■