Consumers Face Higher Egg Prices as Year-End Approaches

TOKYO, Sep 25 (News On Japan) - Egg prices are increasing once again, particularly impacting businesses like a Baumkuchen specialty shop in Adachi, Tokyo, which uses 3,000 eggs daily. President Eisuke Namai expressed concerns over the rising costs, noting that eggs are crucial for the cake's quality, and a recent price surge has made it difficult to pass on costs to consumers repeatedly.

Last year's egg price spike, driven by an avian influenza outbreak that led to the culling of over 17 million hens, resulted in a record high of 350 yen per kilogram. This year, prices stabilized around 200 yen but surged again in September. Manager Yoshiyasu Muramatsu highlighted how perceptions of normal pricing significantly affect sales.

A recent meeting with producers and distributors revealed that the summer heat has reduced production, while increased demand from dining out has driven prices up to around 260 yen per kilogram. Meanwhile, poultry farms are struggling with the heat's impact on hen productivity, leading to adjustments in egg orders.

Looking ahead, producers like Mitsuhiro Toyomura believe prices will remain elevated due to ongoing challenges. With year-end demand for traditional foods increasing, the situation may worsen. Additionally, concerns about potential avian influenza outbreaks could further impact prices, as preventive measures are being implemented.

Source: ANN

Shimadzu Unveils World's First Optical Lattice Clock

Shimadzu Corporation has launched the world's first optical lattice clock, which measures time using the oscillation frequency of atoms trapped by lasers. The clock boasts an unparalleled accuracy, with an error of just one second over 10 billion years.

Tohoku Shinkansen Cars Unexpectedly Detach

A Tohoku Shinkansen train came to an unexpected stop between Ueno and Omiya on March 6th after its coupled cars separated. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on the Hayabusa-Komachi No. 21 train.

Japan to Release Rice Reserves as Prices Surge Past 5,000 Yen for 5kg

Japan’s rice prices have been steadily climbing, with the cost of a 5-kilogram bag rising from 2,430 to 3,297 yen last year and further increasing to 3,949 yen this year, putting pressure on household budgets. To curb these rising prices, the government has decided to release its rice reserves.

Gunkanjima Faces Collapse Risk as Buildings Deteriorate

The historic buildings of Hashima Island, commonly known as Gunkanjima, are facing a risk of collapse due to ongoing deterioration, it was revealed on March 3rd. The island, part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution," a UNESCO World Heritage site that marks its 10th anniversary this summer, has seen its structures degrade significantly over time.

Nara's Omizutori Fire Ritual Marks 1,274 Year

The annual Shunie ceremony, commonly known as Omizutori, has begun at Todai-ji Temple in Nara. Carrying large torches, attendants lit the way as monks, known as the Rengyoshu, slowly ascended the steps of Nigatsudo Hall.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Scam Home Inspections Hit Record High in 2024

The number of cases involving fraudulent home inspection scams by unscrupulous renovation companies reached a record high in 2024, according to a report by the National Police Agency.

Sekisui House Ordered to Pay Y750 Million in Back Taxes

Sekisui House, a major homebuilder headquartered in Osaka, has been found to have underreported its tax obligations related to consumption tax deductions on payments to subcontractors.

Sumitomo Mitsui to leave global decarbonization group

Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group says it will leave an international group that fights climate change. It is the first Japanese company to do so. (NHK)

Japan Financial Services Agency (FSA) and PDT Partners Form Partnership

The Japan Financial Services Agency (FSA) and PDT Partners have officially signed an agreement, with Masaki Suzuki and an FSA representative jointly signing the deal. The partnership will focus on financial regulation, capital operations, technological innovation, and corporate social responsibility, aiming to enhance market transparency and drive internationalization.