The average price of osechi ry身ri, traditional New Year＊s cuisine in Japan, has risen for a third consecutive year, according to a survey by business intelligence company Teikoku Databank.

The November survey analyzed pricing for three-tiered osechi sets for three to four people across 110 sellers, including major convenience stores, department stores, supermarkets and famous Japanese restaurants. The average price of osechi for the 2025 New Year stood at ?27,826 ($185), a 1.3% increase 〞 or ?360 〞 compared with that for the 2024 New Year.

Though prices have continued to rise, the latest increase is the smallest in three years, at less than half the increase for the 2024 New Year, and reversing the trend of ?1,000-plus annual hikes, showing retailers have adopted a more cautious pricing approach in response to prolonged inflation and cost-conscious consumers.

To maintain price stability, producers have adjusted osechi menus, substituting expensive ingredients such as octopus, sea bream and beef with alternatives such as snow crab and spiny lobster. Such adjustments aim to keep offerings appealing to consumers while mitigating the impact of rising costs.

While affordability remains a priority for most of the companies surveyed, a total of 10 establishments have raised their osechi prices by ?5,000 or more 〞 the most in three years. Large price hikes were seen mainly at luxury hotels and restaurants.

As Japan prepares for a New Year＊s holiday season that could last up to nine days for some, inflation continues to shape osechi pricing trends. Some consumers prioritize affordability while others continue to favor premium options, reflecting broader economic pressures and evolving spending habits.

A separate August survey by department store Matsuya found that 90% of 1,449 respondents planned to maintain or increase their osechi budgets, with around 30% prioritizing ※variety and volume§ and ※value for money.§

However, the average planned budget in the Matsuya survey was ?24,000 〞 about ?3,000 short of the average price of osechi reported in the Teikoku Databank survey, highlighting a growing demand for even more affordable options.