Japanese Rice Snack Makers Struggle as Costs Soar

TOKYO, Oct 07 (News On Japan) - Rice snack manufacturers are facing a tough business environment as the price of rice soars.

According to Teikoku Databank, there have been 11 cases of bankruptcy or closure of rice snack producers, including those making senbei and arare, in the first nine months of this year. This pace exceeds the total number of cases for the entire year of 2022, suggesting it could reach a record high.

The industry is struggling due to the rising costs of domestically-produced rice and the declining demand for rice snacks such as senbei.

Source: ANN

Former Empress Has Surgery On Fractured Thigh Bone

Japan's 89-year-old former empress Michiko underwent surgery on Tuesday at Tokyo University Hospital for a fracture in her right thigh bone. The surgery was successfully completed, according to the Imperial Household Agency.

Ishiba Cabinet 'Photoshopped' Before Publication

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi revealed in a press conference that a group photo of the Ishiba Cabinet, taken on October 1st to commemorate its inauguration, had been slightly modified before being posted on the Prime Minister's Office website.

Crane Injures 4 Women at Osaka Music Festival

A camera crane collapsed at a music festival venue in Osaka, injuring at least four people.

Massive Solar Flare Raises Risk of Satellite and GPS Disruptions

Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) has reported the occurrence of a major solar flare on October 3rd.

Red Gate Remains Shut for Tokyo University Students

Tokyo University's iconic Red Gate, which has long been a symbol for prospective students to pass through, has remained closed for the past three years, leaving many students unable to experience walking through it.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

The Harsh Reality of Pensions in Japan

Retirees in Japan face harsh financial realities due to unexpected costs like serious illnesses and funeral expenses. Pension amounts often fall short, with some retirees receiving as little as 50,000 to 125,000 yen per month.

Economic Outlook for Hokuriku, Tokai Regions Upgraded in BOJ Report

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) released its October Regional Economic Report, known as the "Sakura Report," announcing an upward revision of the economic outlook for two of the country's nine regions, Hokuriku and Tokai.

Japanese Rice Snack Makers Struggle as Costs Soar

Rice snack manufacturers are facing a tough business environment as the price of rice soars.

Controversial 'Proxy Shopping' Surges on Flea Market Sites

Disney's exclusive merchandise releases in Japan have sparked a new controversy, not just over traditional resale but also a trend known as 'proxy shopping.'

Japan's Used Smartphone Market Booms

The used smartphone market in Japan is booming, particularly following the release of Apple's latest iPhone model. Despite the new iPhone 16 hitting the market last month, more consumers are opting for pre-owned devices due to their significantly lower prices.

Can Minimum Wage Be Raised to 1,500 Yen Under 'Ishibanomics'?

Under Prime Minister Ishiba’s new economic policy, termed "Ishibanomics," what will happen to prices, wages, and ultimately, our daily lives? Ishiba's unusual remarks on interest rates have caused stock market volatility, leaving many to question the future direction of the government's economic policies.

Battle for Japan's EV Market: China's BYD Takes on Toyota

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are currently facing both tailwinds and headwinds. We’ve investigated the strategies of popular Chinese manufacturers and the Japanese players that are fighting back.

Osaka's Casino Project to Start Next Spring

Osaka City has handed over land for the Integrated Resort (IR) project, which will include a casino, after signing a contract to lease the land to the developer for 35 years at a monthly rent of 2.1 billion yen.

< 2 3 4 5 >