Prices for more than 1,000 food items in Japan will rise in June, further pressuring consumers. That is partly due to higher packaging costs, as turmoil continues in the Middle East. A survey by private research firm Teikoku Databank found that 1,078 items are set for price hikes this month. They include 450 seasoning products and 304 processed foods such as instant noodles.
People who litter on streets or in parks and other places are to be fined in a central Tokyo ward as part of its campaign to clean up the area. Shibuya Ward started imposing a fine of 2,000 yen, or about 12.5 dollars, for littering on Monday. The administrative penalty applies to the entire ward. The ward revised a relevant ordinance last year to levy the fine as littering has become a persistent problem.
Severe Tropical Storm Jangmi* is approaching Okinawa’s main island and bringing extremely strong winds. Weather officials are warning people in affected areas to take precautions against intense winds, high waves and landslides. *台風6号