哎呀！日本的鸡蛋呢？

Core Insights - The recent surge in egg prices in Japan has significantly impacted consumers and businesses, with prices reaching historical highs, causing financial strain on households and the food industry [1][5][7] Group 1: Price Impact on Consumers - The average price of medium-sized eggs in Tokyo has reached 324 yen per kilogram in 2025, surpassing the average during the 2023 egg shortage [1] - The national average retail price for 10 eggs in December 2025 is reported at 308 yen, marking the highest level since records began in 2003 [1] - Families are feeling the pinch as eggs, a staple food, have become increasingly expensive, affecting their ability to provide affordable nutrition for children [4] Group 2: Impact on the Food Industry - The restaurant industry, particularly those heavily reliant on eggs, is facing challenges; for instance, a popular egg rice restaurant in Nagoya has seen the cost of 10 kg of eggs rise from 3,600 yen to 4,500 yen [2] - Some businesses are absorbing costs rather than passing them on to consumers, with reports of sandwich shops and cake factories struggling to maintain profitability amid rising ingredient prices [3][4] - The rise in egg prices has led to the bankruptcy of 27 noodle restaurants in Osaka from January to November 2025, the highest number recorded [4] Group 3: Causes of Price Surge - The ongoing avian influenza outbreak has led to the culling of over 9 million poultry, primarily egg-laying hens, exacerbating supply issues [5] - Rising feed costs due to global supply chain instability and currency depreciation have further strained the poultry industry, with the government struggling to implement effective subsidies [5] - Extreme heat during the summer of 2025 has negatively affected egg production rates, compounding the supply-demand imbalance [5] Group 4: Government Response - The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is promoting the use of liquid eggs to stabilize prices, with subsidies for building storage facilities for frozen liquid eggs [6] - These measures aim to address seasonal supply fluctuations, although they may not provide immediate relief during the current price crisis [6]