Vegetable prices soar in Japan: cabbage costs triple over last year

The cost of living in Japan is on the rise, particularly when it comes to fresh produce.

According to data released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the consumer price index for fresh vegetables in Tokyo’s 23 wards surged by a staggering 36.6% in January compared to the same period last year. This marks the highest increase in over eight years.

Extreme weather conditions, including last year’s heatwave, have disrupted crop production, leading to shortages and skyrocketing prices.

Cabbage, which has been particularly affected by both the heatwave and recent rainfall shortages, saw a whopping 204.6% increase in price.

Cabbages — Cabbage prices in Japan have increased 204.6% in the last year

As a result, demand for alternative vegetables like chinese cabbage also surged, with prices climbing 112.7%. Similarly, broccoli and lettuce experienced significant price hikes of 87.1% and 72.5%, respectively.

Napa cabbage — Prices of Chinese cabbage have increased by 112.7%

This upward trend in vegetable prices is not a new phenomenon. In fact, the price of fresh vegetables has been steadily climbing for the past three months. November saw a 15.7% increase, followed by a 27.5% rise in December.

While the volatility in fresh produce prices is largely attributed to weather-related factors, the overall consumer price index, excluding fresh food, also rose by 2.5% in January compared to the previous year, marking a three-month streak of increasing rates.

Two onigiri — Products like onigiri will be affected by an almost 71% increase in the price of rice

The price of rice, in particular, has skyrocketed by 70.7%, reaching a record high since 1971. Even everyday items like chocolate have experienced a significant price increase of over 30%.

With other expenses such as rail travel also increasing, the continuous rise in the prices of staple foods is exerting upward pressure on the overall cost of living in Japan.