Inflation pain to continue for Japan consumers in new fiscal year

Japan will see another wave of price hikes at the start of the new business year from Saturday as higher raw material costs eat into company margins, dealing yet another blow to consumers already facing inflation rates that have outpaced wage growth.Over 5,100 food and beverages, ranging from mayonnaise and dairy products to imported wine will be pricier. Research firm Teikoku Databank estimates an average household will have to pay an extra 2,140 yen ($16) a month for foodstuffs.In a sign that price hikes are broadening, consumers will also be saddled with more expensive services like publ…READ FULL ARTICLE