In Japan, two retailers are weighing higher costs against customer prices: Fast Retailing dropped a planned sock increase, while Saizeriya raised its Milanese Doria by 20 yen.
Fast Retailing’s Oct. 27 notice withdrew the proposed change for its “50-color socks” and multipacks. A single pair had been scheduled to rise from 290 yen to 390 yen, and multipack discounts were also due to end. The company apologized for revising its plan soon after the initial announcement. The cancellation follows EconoTimes’ earlier coverage of Uniqlo’s Nov. 10 price changes.
Other listed adjustments remain scheduled for Nov. 10. Fast Retailing has linked them to higher raw-material and logistics expenses and the weak yen. In July’s analyst-meeting Q&A, Takeshi Okazaki, Fast Retailing’s Group Senior Executive Officer and CFO, said the company tries to “avoid raising prices as much as possible.” The retailer projects an average price increase of less than 4% across its 2026 fall-winter range.
Saizeriya’s menu revision took effect Oct. 29. Its site lists Milanese Doria at 320 yen, compared with 300 yen in the company’s March 2026 release. Saizeriya tied the change to higher ingredient and energy costs, saying the new prices would help protect product standards and keep menu items available. FNN reported that the menu-wide increase averaged 6%.
The Statistics Bureau of Japan reported that nationwide consumer prices excluding fresh food rose 2.1% year over year in September 2026. The index that also excludes energy increased 2.4%.
AFP reported that Sachi, a 68-year-old ramen shop owner in Okayama identified by first name only, had delayed raising prices because she was concerned about charging longtime customers more. A Bank of Japan historical account dates the onset of deflation to the late 1990s and places its broad end in the early 2010s. The next nationwide consumer-price release, covering October, is scheduled for Nov. 20.
