日本：鸡蛋拌饭已成“奢侈品”

Core Viewpoint - Japan is experiencing record-high prices for rice and eggs, leading consumers to seek cheaper alternatives for these staple foods [1] Group 1: Price Increases - The average price of a 5-kilogram bag of rice in Japan reached 4,337 yen, remaining above 4,000 yen for 16 consecutive weeks [1] - The average wholesale price of medium-sized eggs in Tokyo is now 324 yen per kilogram, marking the highest price on record [1] - Over 20,000 food items in Japan have seen price increases this year, with nearly 3,600 more expected to rise in early next year [1] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Many Japanese consumers are expressing that dishes like egg over rice have become "luxury items" due to rising prices [1] - Consumers are substituting expensive ingredients like beef, butter, and tomatoes with cheaper options such as chicken, margarine, and carrots [1] - Faced with high rice prices, some individuals are opting for noodles and bread as alternatives [1]