Tokyo Core Consumer Prices Up 3.6 Pct in May

   Tokyo, May 30 (Jiji Press)--The core consumer price index for Tokyo's densely populated 23 special wards in May climbed 3.6 pct from a year earlier, up for the 45th consecutive month and logging the biggest rise since a 4.3 pct increase marked in January 2023.
   The index, which excludes often volatile fresh food prices, stood at 110.5 against the 2020 base of 100, the internal affairs ministry said.
   Rice prices skyrocketed 93.7 pct, after posting a record 93.8 pct surge the previous month.
   Prices of food excluding perishables climbed 6.9 pct, against a 6.4 pct ascent marked in April. Although the Japanese government started releasing its stockpiled rice in March in the hope of taming rampant rice prices, supply remains tight, as such stockpiled rice has yet to reach many stores throughout the country.
   Among rice-related items, prices of sushi served at eating establishments and those of "onigiri" rice balls went up 8.3 pct and 16.9 pct, respectively.

(2025/05/30-12:49)

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