Survey shows Japan will see a new wave of price hikes in October.

A survey released by a Japanese research firm on September 30 shows that more than 3,000 food and beverage products are expected to see price increases in Japan in October. Major Japanese power and gas companies had previously announced that they would begin raising electricity and gas rates in October. The latest survey by Teikoku Databank shows that the number of food and beverage products expected to see price hikes in October is projected to reach 3,153, including 1,399 alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 820 seasonings, and 668 processed foods. In September this year, nearly 5,000 food products in Japan already saw price increases, about three times the number in the same period last year and the largest wave of food price hikes this year. Due to persistently high energy prices and the termination of government subsidies in September, Japan's electricity and gas rates will also rise. Japan's ten major power companies announced on September 29 that they would raise standard electricity rates for ordinary households across the board in October, with the revised rates set to reach a record high. In addition, gas rates at Japan's four major city gas companies will also increase across the board. Starting in October, some dining and service prices in Japan will also rise, including ticket prices for Tokyo Disney Resort, parcel delivery fees for Japan Post, and tolls on the Shuto Expressway.