Food prices in Japan increased 3.5% year-on-year in April 2026, following a 3.6% gain in the previous month and marking the mildest pace since October 2024. Costs moderated for cereals (1.2% vs 3.5% in March), dairy products and eggs (4.9% vs 5.4%), cakes and candies (7.7% vs 8.1%), prepared foods (4.3% vs 5.2%), beverages (9.4% vs 9.6%), alcoholic beverages (0.9% vs 5.1%), and meals eaten out (1.1% vs 3.9%). Among staples, rice prices increased 0.6% from a year earlier, sharply slowing from a 6.8% rise in March and marking the slowest gain since a decline in November 2022. At the same time, prices continued to decline for fresh vegetables (-12.2% vs -10.5%) and fresh fruit (-3.6% vs -7.4%). In contrast, inflation held steady for fish and seafood (at 5.8% vs 5.8%) while quickening for meats (4.4% vs 3.8%) and oils, fats, and seasonings (4.2% vs 4.0%).