40年来第一次！日本这个畅销商品涨价了

Group 1 - The core point of the article is that Pilot Corporation, Japan's largest pen manufacturer, has raised the price of its best-selling Frixion erasable pen by 10%, marking the first price increase since its launch in 2006, reflecting how Japanese companies are adapting to the return of inflation [1][2] - The CEO of Pilot, Fumio Fujisaki, stated that this is the first time in his 40-year tenure that a popular product has seen a price increase, indicating a significant shift in mindset for Japanese companies after decades of deflation [1][2] - Japan's core inflation rate is expected to remain above 2% next year, providing the Bank of Japan with room to raise interest rates, with the current policy rate set at approximately 0.75%, the highest level since 1995 [2] Group 2 - The price increase at Pilot is partly driven by shareholder pressure, as shareholders have been urging the company to set higher prices in the current inflationary environment [3] - Historically, Pilot's price increases have been rare, with the only previous increase being for its high-end fountain pen series to address rising gold costs; the Frixion pen's price had remained unchanged at 230 yen (approximately $1.47) since its introduction nearly two decades ago [3] - The price increase poses risks, as it tests the willingness of the Japanese middle class to pay more for everyday items and whether competitors will maintain lower prices to capture market share [4] Group 3 - Despite the risks, Pilot recognizes its leadership position in the industry and believes it should take the lead in price management, suggesting that if it raises prices, other companies may follow suit [4] - The CEO noted that prices for everyday items like eggs and natto have already increased, indicating that further price adjustments for other consumer goods may be forthcoming [4]