High inflation in Japan.

The report released by the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on November 21st shows that Japan's inflation problem is further intensifying. In October, Japan's core consumer price index rose by 3.0% year-on-year, with prices continuing to increase. Prices of items such as rice and eggs have been consistently rising. For example, in the week leading up to November 9th, the average price of a 5kg bag of rice was 4,316 yen, setting a new record since May of this year. Some Japanese people have lamented that rice has become a "luxury item." Japanese media had previously reported that over 20,000 food items in Japan will see price increases this year. With inflation running high, the burden on the lives of Japanese people is increasing.