27 consecutive months of rising prices, without matching wage increases.

The comprehensive index, including fresh food reflecting real-life experiences, increased by 2.8% 

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in Japan announced on the 22nd that the nationwide consumer price index for November (with 2020 as the base year = 100) rose by 2.5% to 106.4 compared to the same month of the previous year, excluding the price fluctuations of fresh food. This marks a continuous rise for 27 months. While food prices continue to rise, the cost of electricity and gas declined due to falling fuel prices, resulting in a growth rate that is 0.4 percentage points smaller than in October. The decrease in the growth rate is the first in two months.

Looking at the movement of the index in November by item, food excluding fresh foodstuff increased by 6.7% compared to the same month last year. The increase is attributed to the rising costs of raw materials and logistics, leading to higher prices for prepared foods and confectionery.

The comprehensive index, including fresh food reflecting real-life experiences, increased by 2.8%, while the comprehensive index excluding fresh food and energy rose by 3.8%.

The prolonged high prices, without a corresponding increase in wages, have led to a continued decrease in real wages.

■Major contributions to the year-on-year change in the Composite Index 

Category Overall Increase (%) Contribution to CPI Specific Example Increase (%) Specific Example
Prepared Foods 7.7 0.28 16.8 Curry
Confectionery 9.9 0.25 12.3 Ice Cream
Fresh Vegetables 10.5 0.20 29.0 Green Onions
Eating Out 4.0 0.19 19.2 Fried Chicken (Eating Out)
Dairy and Eggs 14.2 0.18 26.3 Chicken Eggs
Fresh Fruits 19.0 0.17 31.3 Apples
Grains 7.5 0.17 7.9 Bread
Meats 3.9 0.10 5.7 Chicken Meat

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