Amidst a recent wave of prices going up across Japanese businesses, there's been a bit of news causing a stir, especially for those with a sweet tooth 🍦. The much-loved ice lolly brand, Garigari-kun, a favorite among both kids and adults, is about to see its price go up for only the third time in its 43-year history.

Akagi Nyugyo, the company behind Garigari-kun from Saitama Prefecture, has revealed that they are increasing the prices of two of their products, including the iconic Garigari-kun. This frozen treat, known for its unique texture, has been a hit since its debut in 1981. What sets Garigari-kun apart is its outer layer that looks like your regular ice lolly, but inside, it surprises you with shaved ice. ❄️

Now, a 10-yen increase might not sound like much, but jumping to 80 yen from the 2016 price of 60 yen is a hefty 33% bump 💸. This could throw a bit of a curveball for many consumers, especially when you factor in the economic scene where average wages in Japan haven't exactly been shooting through the roof.

The decision to hike up prices wasn't a walk in the park for Akagi Nyugyo. They pointed to rising costs of raw materials, electricity, labor, packaging, distribution, and even those wooden sticks that shape the ice lolly. Plus, they spilled the beans about plans to raise the price of their Florida Sundae ice cream cup from 200 to 220 yen, emphasizing the broader impact of inflation on different products. 📈

This bit of news is part of a bigger picture in Japan. The consumer price index has been on the rise, clocking in at more than a 6% increase between October 2021 and September 2023. Sadly, this surge in consumer prices has outpaced the uptick in nominal wages, resulting in a real wage decline of 2.4% in September 2023 compared to the previous year. 😟

As real wages take a hit and prices keep climbing, the Garigari-kun episode isn't just about a frozen treat. It's a snapshot of the broader economic landscape, shedding light on the challenges facing both consumers and businesses in Japan. 🌏

📰 : Netorabo / nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/2312/20/news162.html

📷 : Dick Thomas Johnson / www.flickr.com/photos/31029865@N06/8453675274/