Retail prices for chicken thigh and pork in Japan hit all-time highs in July 2026 [1], [2].
These price spikes impact millions of households as staple proteins become less affordable, shifting consumer behavior toward cheaper processed meats and imported options.
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the average retail price for pork loin reached 287 ¥ per 100 grams in July 2026 [4]. Some reports indicate the peak price reached as high as 290 ¥ per 100 grams [5]. This represents the highest price recorded since the ministry began its survey in 2003 [4].
Chicken thigh prices followed a similar trajectory. The national average retail price for 100 grams of chicken thigh ranged between 155 ¥ [2] and 156 ¥ [1] in July 2026. This is a significant increase from April 2022, when the price stood at 134 ¥ per 100 grams [1].
Several factors contributed to the surge. Higher consumer demand for chicken, a weak yen, and rising production costs for labor and feed pushed domestic prices upward [1], [2], [3].
Shoppers are adapting by altering their diets. At a supermarket in Yokohama, one shopper said they are using sausages or thickly sliced ham instead of meat because of the high costs [6]. Another 70-year-old shopper said they buy large-capacity packs when prices are low, noting that even a saving of 10 ¥ adds up over time [6].
While domestic prices climb, imported chicken is emerging as a budget-friendly alternative. Prices for imported chicken have been decreasing due to lower costs overseas, providing some relief to consumers [1].
“Retail prices for chicken thigh and pork in Japan hit all-time highs in July 2026.”
The record-breaking cost of domestic proteins reflects a broader economic struggle in Japan, where the weak yen inflates the cost of imported feed and labor. As domestic production becomes more expensive, the market is likely to see a sustained shift toward imported meats, potentially impacting the long-term viability of local farmers who cannot compete with falling overseas prices.
