Lawson and Seven-Eleven Japan to cut onigiri prices

Major Japanese convenience store chains Lawson and Seven-Eleven Japan have announced price reductions for their onigiri (rice ball) products, driven by falling rice market prices.

Lawson plans to cut prices by 10 to 11 yen on 20 different onigiri products starting September 29. This follows five price increases over the last four years caused by rising procurement and logistics costs. Seven-Eleven Japan will reduce the price of select items, including spicy cod roe, by approximately 19 yen starting September 8.

Other retailers are also adjusting prices. FamilyMart is set to lower the price of its large-size kelp, tuna, and mayonnaise onigiri starting Tuesday. Additionally, the conveyor belt sushi chain Kura Sushi will reduce prices on certain items starting September 4. These moves come as rice inventories in Japan have improved, leading to a decline in retail rice prices.