Cost to Make Japanese Curry Rice Hits Record High

Japanese curry rice is renowned for its affordability and ease of preparation, much like ramen. However, this staple comfort food is now facing an uncomfortable increase in costs.

According to a survey released by Teikoku Databank on July 11, the cost of preparing one serving of curry rice in May reached ¥323 (about $2 USD). This represents an increase of ¥25 (8.3%) compared to May 2023, marking the highest cost since recording began in 2015.

Ingredients and Utilities

The main factors driving this increase are the high prices of domestically produced rice and vegetables, which have remained elevated due to unfavorable weather. Additionally, the rising prices of imported beef and utilities suggest that the cost of preparing curry rice will likely continue to increase beyond June.

Teikoku Databank calculates the Curry Rice Price Index based on the average national prices of ingredients like potatoes, as well as utility costs such as electricity and gas. According to their analysis, the index, which uses the 2020 average as 100, reached 117.8 in May, an 8.3% increase from the same month in 2023. This marks the 12th consecutive month of increase. This is triple the growth rate of the nationwide Consumer Price Index (2.8%, excluding fresh food) published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

The primary driver behind this trend is the ¥15 increase (8.1%) in the cost of ingredients, specifically meat and vegetables, which account for about 60% of the total cost. Prices for carrots, potatoes, and onions have risen 20–50% compared to average years due to unfavorable weather.

Impact on Households

Even the price of rice, which had been relatively stable, has increased by ¥6 (6.8%) due to extreme heat and rising demand for dining out.

A representative from Teikoku Databank noted, "In recent years, the price of bread has increased due to the rising cost of wheat. As a result, many people have returned to rice as a staple, making curry rice an important dish for household budgets." They added, "If curry rice can no longer be made cheaply, households may need to reconsider their budget plans."

Furthermore, government subsidies for household electricity and gas bills will end in June. This is expected to further increase the cost of making curry rice, potentially reaching around ¥330 per serving. Major curry mix ("curry roux") manufacturer S&B Foods has announced a price increase for commercial spices starting in October. This suggests that curry mixes containing spices will also see price hikes in the future. It is anticipated that the index will continue to reach new record highs for some time.

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(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Toshinari Nishimura, The Sankei Shimbun