Group 1 - The wholesale price of cabbage in Tokyo's central wholesale market has surged to 209 yen per kilogram, which is 3.4 times the average of the past five years, driven by shortages and price increases of other vegetables like cabbage [1] - The demand for cabbage has increased as a substitute due to the soaring prices and shortages of other vegetables, with Ibaraki-produced cabbage accounting for 80% of the market share in Tokyo as of February [1] - The overall vegetable retail price in Japan reached 375 yen per kilogram, which is 2.6 times higher than previous years, indicating a significant increase in vegetable prices across the country [2] Group 2 - The high prices of cabbage are expected to persist for about a month, with stabilization unlikely until late March when the supply typically increases [2] - The decline in cabbage production is attributed to last summer's heat and a lack of rainfall during winter, leading to a noticeable shortage in the market [1] - The processing industry, including pickled vegetable manufacturers, is experiencing a sense of shortage, which is accelerating market purchases and further driving up cabbage prices [1]