Tokyo, 3 February, /AJMEDIA/
Last year saw a relentless assault of rising prices of just about everything, but the most serious effects have been seen in food prices. According to a survey by Teikoku Databank, over 20,000 food items from 105 companies went up by an average of 14 percent in 2022.
It’s far from over either as an additional 7,390 items are expected to go up in price by this April, with February looking to be the worst month with over 4,000 food-related price hikes. It’s going to be an unpleasant month for shoppers in Japan, but major convenience store chain Lawson is offering some relief by bucking this trend and increasing the size of 12 products by 47 percent at no extra charge.
For each of the three full weeks in February, four items will be given the enlargement treatment, occasionally with comical results. Starting on Feb 6, Lawson’s Nama Gateau Chocolat will be considerably fatter for the same price of 235 yen. Likewise, their Neapolitan Spaghetti, Tuna & Mayonnaise Onigiri, and Yakisoba Rolls will be given weight increases of 47 percent for no extra charge.
Then, from Feb 13, Lawson’s Fried Rice & Yakisoba Bento will be 47 percent heavier, as will their Cheeseburger, with a 47 percent-larger patty, and Teriyaki Burger, which will become a Double Teriyaki Burger for the week. Also, one of Lawson’s most famous snacks, the Premium Roll Cake which is known for its almost absurd amount of cream, will be given a 47-percent boost in cream to the point that it’s overflowing from the top.
