AI Data Insight
The latest data for Q3 2026 shows that the average monthly household food expenditure in Japan has climbed to 104,220 yen, a significant increase from the previous 95,681 yen, setting a new record for the same period. However, the surge in nominal expenditure reflects high prices; real food expenditure actually fell by 1.4% year-on-year, and overall real household consumption has contracted for the ninth consecutive month. Looking ahead, the Japanese government plans to promote tax cuts on food to stimulate domestic demand, but inflation and expectations of interest rate hikes will continue to suppress consumer confidence in the short term.