日本民众感慨：鸡蛋拌饭已成“奢侈品”

Group 1 - The core point of the article highlights that the prices of rice and eggs in Japan have reached record highs, leading to significant changes in consumer behavior and food choices [1][3]. Group 2 - According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the average price of a 5-kilogram bag of rice is 4,337 yen (approximately 194 RMB), remaining above 4,000 yen (approximately 179 RMB) for 16 consecutive weeks [3]. - The average wholesale price of medium-sized eggs in Tokyo has reached 324 yen per kilogram (approximately 14.5 RMB), marking the highest price on record [3]. - The increase in food prices is attributed to rising raw material and labor costs, as well as the depreciation of the yen, with over 20,000 food items experiencing price hikes this year [3]. - An estimated 3,600 food items are expected to see price increases in early next year [3]. - Consumers are seeking alternatives to expensive ingredients like beef, butter, and tomatoes, opting for cheaper options such as chicken, margarine, and carrots [3]. - Many are substituting rice with noodles and bread due to the high prices of rice [3].