With the ongoing price rise in Japan, everyday essentials like food, beverages, and even leisure activities are becoming more expensive. As price rise continue to affect daily life, understanding these changes is crucial. This article breaks down recent price hikes, highlights unexpected price drops, and explores smart strategies to ease the impact. Stay informed and make the most of your money!
For more daily life information, please check the following article.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Recent Price Increases
Japan has also been affected by rising prices across various goods and services. Since the beginning of this year, several everyday products have seen price hikes. Below are some examples:
Starbucks
- Effective Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
- Details: Around 30% of Starbucks stores nationwide will introduce a “location-based pricing” system. Stores in service areas and airports will be classified as “Special Location Price A” (4% of all stores), while certain stores in central Tokyo and Osaka will fall under “Special Location Price B” (27% of all stores).
- Special Location Price A: An average price increase of approximately 6%, ranging from ¥13 to ¥32 (excluding tax).
- Special Location Price B: An average price increase of approximately 4%, ranging from ¥4 to ¥28 (excluding tax).
Source: Starbucks Coffee Company
Tirol Chocolate
- Effective Date: Monday, March 3, 2025
- Details: The price of Tirol Chocolate, a popular small chocolate treat available at convenience stores, will increase by approximately 11%.
Source: TIROL CHOCO CO., LTD
New Balance
- Effective Date: Monday, March 3, 2025
- Details: A price increase of ¥900 will be applied to select models, including MW880GB6, WW880GM6, and WW880GB6.
Source: New Balance
McDonald's
- Effective Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025
- Details: Prices for individual menu items at approximately 3,000 locations (excluding some stores) will increase by ¥10 to ¥30, including adjustments for McDelivery®.
Source: McDONALD’S
Mister Donut
- Effective Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
- Details: One of Japan’s most popular donut chains will increase the prices of 42 items by ¥10 each.
Nissin Foods
- Effective Date: From shipments on Tuesday, April 1, 2025
- Details: Prices for instant cup rice products such as “Nissin Curry Meshi” and “Nissin Taiwan Meshi” will increase by approximately 11%.
Source: NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS CO.,LTD.
Chapter 2: Price Reductions
While Japan has seen a wave of price increases since 2024, there have also been some price reductions.
Starbucks
As mentioned earlier, Starbucks will introduce price increases at 30% of its locations nationwide. However, one notable price reduction is the removal of the extra charge for switching to soy milk in all stores. Previously priced at ¥54/¥55 (takeout/in-store), the soy milk option will now be free.
PlayStation® VR2
Sony has significantly reduced the price of the PlayStation VR2, which is used with PlayStation consoles. The price has dropped from ¥89,980 to ¥66,980.
- This price cut applies to both the “PlayStation VR2” and the “PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle.”
- The “Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle” has been reduced from ¥94,980 to ¥66,980—a nearly ¥30,000 price drop.
Chapter 3: Coping with Price Increases
With the ongoing price rise affecting various everyday goods, finding smart ways to save money has become essential. One effective strategy is using the Furusato Nozei (Hometown Tax Donation Program) to purchase daily necessities.
For example, instead of paying full price for food, you can use Furusato Nozei to receive food items as返礼品 (thank-you gifts) in return for your donation. Additionally, the program can be used for experiences such as hot spring trips, allowing you to enjoy travel at a lower cost while supporting local communities.
By taking advantage of programs like Furusato Nozei, you can manage expenses more efficiently and reduce the impact of price rises on your daily life.
* When you purchase products introduced in the content, a portion of the sales may be returned to belongingJAPAN.
*Please note that there may be changes in availability or pricing. The prices listed above are as of March 11th, 2025. For further details, please check Amazon.co.jp.
