News On Japan

Valentine's Day Faces 'Cacao Shock'

TOKYO, Feb 07 (News On Japan) - The average price per Valentine's Day chocolate stands at 418 yen, marking a 5.8% increase from 2024, according to Teikoku Databank, with chocolates from international brands averaging 435 yen per piece, 35 yen higher than Japanese brands.

The primary driver behind this increase is the sharp rise in cacao bean prices, exacerbated by a historically weak yen and poor harvests due to adverse weather conditions.

Teikoku Databank further predicts that the upward trend in prices is likely to persist, affecting the White Day market in March as well, as the impact of the weak yen and soaring raw material costs continues.

Source: TBS

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Construction has begun on a fence under the Glico sign in Osaka's Minami district, known as 'Gurishita,' to prevent loitering and address crime-related issues.

For over half a century, Nagasaki Prefecture has waged a relentless battle against biker gangs, groups known for their reckless, illegal street racing that disturbed public order and endangered lives. Now, after years of intensified crackdowns, Nagasaki police have announced the virtual eradication of biker gangs, culminating in the recent disbandment of the last remaining group in January 2025.

The firefly squid fishery is at its peak in Shinonsen, Hyogo Prefecture, as the small bioluminescent squid, a seasonal delicacy of the Sea of Japan, is being hauled in.

North Safari Sapporo, which brands itself as 'Japan's most dangerous zoo,' has announced it will close at the end of September, after operating for two decades despite being in an urban planning control zone where development is restricted.

With just one month to go until the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 opens on April 13, preparations are nearing completion. Visitors can now get an early glimpse of the atmosphere at the venue, where various pavilions are taking shape.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Food NEWS

A trade exhibition featuring domestically caught fin whale meat, harvested under Japan’s resumed commercial whaling program, was held in Fukuoka. Fin whale meat is known for its mild flavor and rich fat content.

From the iconic Shirokuma dessert to the mouthwatering local dishes, this vibrant city is a food lover's dream. In this video, we'll take you on a delicious journey, highlighting the must-try foods and the best spots to enjoy them. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover why Kagoshima is a hidden gem in Japan's food scene! (TabiEats)

Today I’m going behind the counter and deep into the kitchen of Iseya Shokudo, a local family owned Japanese restaurant, tucked away inside of this relatively unknown wholesale produce market, about a 6 minute walk from Tokyo’s JR Okubo station. (Paolo fromTOKYO)

Sushiro has introduced its digital sushi conveyor system, 'Digiro,' for the first time in Okinawa.

Miyajima, an island in Hiroshima, ranks among Japan's most popular tourist destinations. Known for the scenic beauty of its Itsukushima Shrine (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Miyajima is home to deer that roam around its historic streets, where the comforting aroma of freshly made street food snacks fills the air. (Japan by Food)

Japan is known for its quirky vending machine culture. Today, we venture beyond classic finds like ramen or drinks, traveling through Tokyo in search of some truly unique vending machine items like coffee beans, canned bread, fermented bean donuts and even bugs! (Japan by Food)

The third episode of Kitchen Memories with Kimono Mom is here, and this time, we’re cooking with the one and only Joshua Weissman (Kimono Mom)

The All-Japan Gyoza Festival, held at Ai-Chikyuhaku Memorial Park in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture, has brought together 34 gyoza vendors from across Japan, spanning from Hokkaido to Okinawa.