Food prices in Japan will rise significantly in July and remain high throughout the summer.

```htmlGolden Ten Data reported on June 30 that, according to a regular survey by Japan's "Teikoku Databank," prices for a total of 2,566 food and beverage products are set to rise in July, marking the largest increase since April. "Teikoku Databank" attributes this price hike to continued tight supplies of petroleum products triggered by tensions in the Middle East. The Tokyo-based research firm stated that the rising costs of packaging materials—including ink, food film, and trays—as well as increased energy and logistics expenses, have all been passed on to product prices. Inflation has become a major political issue in Japan, holding a significant place in opinion polls, but it has not yet affected the approval rating of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. "Teikoku Databank" noted that the wave of price hikes in the food and beverage sector is expected to continue through the summer and beyond, with a weak yen and abnormal weather also putting upward pressure on prices.```