The price of chicken thigh meat in Japan reached a record high of 154 yen per 100 grams in May 2026 [1].
This price surge affects a staple protein for millions of Japanese households, signaling continued inflationary pressure on essential food items. Because chicken is often viewed as an affordable alternative to beef or pork, record prices may shift consumer spending habits across the country.
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the record price was observed in supermarkets nationwide between May 11 and May 13 [2, 3]. The cost rose by three yen compared to April [2]. This represents the highest price recorded since the ministry began its food price trend survey in August 2003 [3].
Analysts said a continuing upward trend in pricing is occurring, noting that a weakening yen has contributed to the increase [1, 2, 3]. The volatility of the currency affects the cost of imported feed, which in turn raises the cost of domestic poultry production.
Other food items showed mixed trends during the same period. The price of a pack of eggs rose by one yen to 309 yen [1]. In contrast, the price of imported beef loin decreased by four yen, falling to 420 yen per 100 grams [1].
Despite the dip in some beef prices, the steady climb of poultry costs suggests that the broader trend of food inflation remains a persistent challenge for the Japanese economy [1, 2].
“Chicken thigh meat reached 154 yen per 100 grams, the highest level since 2003.”
The record-breaking price of chicken thigh meat highlights the vulnerability of Japan's food supply chain to currency fluctuations. As a nation heavily reliant on imported animal feed, the yen's depreciation directly inflates the cost of domestic meat production. This trend indicates that even 'budget' proteins are no longer insulated from global economic volatility, potentially leading to long-term changes in dietary patterns or increased demand for synthetic alternatives.
