Food Inflation.

Rising oil prices and diverting more corn for ethanol production has caused food prices in Japan to increase.

Most noticable price increase are vegetable, instant products, processed meat and seafood.

According to Asahi (Newspaper) survey, to save money, household are
1. searching for more items for sale,
2. reducing the size of their purchase,
3. eating out less,
4. spending less on other outlets

while the food industry are
1. cutting down on excessive packaging,
2. management cost cut,
3. reduce volume instead of higher price,
4. retailer cooperation to lower prices.

These are happening in Japan's food and agriculture industry.

Replying to [Thomas1976]:
Thomas San,
You still have the green tea to drink,however!
I think the sweet corn will continue to grow in the prices as they
are being used to produce biodiesel ; may be you can trade the sweet corns as a new business before its prices rise to the peak.
The China market expects the cornc prices will be under control around August this year. Still six months for you to earn the greenback or yens.
Or just feed your car with the corns!

Replying to [Thomas1976]:It is a very serious issue, Why don't you eat your car. I mean travel by different means.

Replying to [Anshu]:
Anshu, I am on your side!
Thomas, please tell us the taste after you eat your car!