Seven-Eleven Japan Co. has announced price increases for 37 rice-based products, marking the latest move in response to rising costs in key ingredients. The price hikes, which will affect popular items like onigiri rice balls, bento lunch boxes, and sushi, are set to begin next week.
Starting January 27, customers will see the prices of onigiri rise by up to 28 yen (18 cents), with bento boxes and sushi seeing an increase of as much as 60 yen beginning February 10. For example, the price of an onigiri filled with konbu seaweed will increase by 17 percent to 162 yen, while a fried chicken bento will jump 9 percent to 626 yen.
Seven-Eleven Japan cited the ongoing escalation of raw material costs, particularly rice, as the main driver behind the price hikes. Despite efforts to improve productivity and mitigate cost increases in packaging materials and logistics, the company acknowledged that raising prices was necessary.
This move will affect the convenience store chain’s low-price food offerings, which have been strategically designed to appeal to budget-conscious consumers. For instance, a plain onigiri will rise by 18 percent to 138 yen, while Chinese fried rice will now be sold for 378 yen—an 8-percent increase. The latter will no longer be categorized under Seven-Eleven’s budget-friendly lineup.
The changes come as food prices continue to rise nationwide, putting pressure on both consumers and businesses alike. Seven-Eleven Japan’s decision to adjust its prices reflects broader trends in the convenience store industry, where rising operational costs have become a significant concern.
