The reduced crop yields triggered by prolonged high temperatures and low rainfall in Japan have driven up fresh produce prices, subsequently affecting both supermarket retail and the restaurant business. In a budget supermarket in Japan's Saitama Prefecture, the prices of common vegetables, such as tomatoes, in the fresh produce section have surged to nearly double the levels of the same period of last year. Due to persistent high temperatures and insufficient rainfall, several major agricultural regions in Japan are facing challenges such as stunted crop growth and reduced yields, which have led to a sharp rise in supermarket retail prices. Hiromichi Akiba, owner of a supermarket in Tokyo Metropolis, said cucumbers, which typically experience price increases in early September, began to rise in mid-August this year. Furthermore, wholesale prices have surged by about 30 percent compared to the same period of last year. Moreover, the rising prices of fresh produce have also taken toll on restaurants. For example, a couple managing a small Japanese pub has maintained a strict no-price-hike policy for 30 years. To address the current inflationary pressures, they are now compelled to absorb the heightened costs by reducing their own profits or suspending certain menu items. According to Japanese media reports, the average supermarket prices of tomatoes and carrots across the country in August rose by nearly 20 percent compared to the same period of last year. With the approaching back-to-school season and the resumption of school meal services, demand for vegetables is expected to increase further in Japan, potentially driving prices even higher. Shotlist: Saitama Prefecture, Japan - Recent: 1. Various of consumers shopping in budget supermarket, vegetables, eggs for sale; 2. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Hideo Kawamura, person in charge, fresh produce section of local budget supermarket (ending with shot 3): " Large vegetables, such as cabbage and Chinese cabbage, are now priced significantly higher than in previous years, with current prices roughly double what they were. To manage costs, we must negotiate prices and make purchases at the market before dawn."; Tokyo Metropolis, Japan - Recent 3. Various of consumers shopping in supermarket, vegetables for sale; Saitama Prefecture, Japan - Recent 4. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) consumer (name not given) (starting with shot 3): "I'm feeling the pinch financially. I have tried not to waste any ingredients -- even the smallest leftovers are used in meals. I also choose cheaper ingredients and make extra dishes to save for later."; Tokyo Metropolis, Japan - Recent 5. Consumers shopping in supermarket; 6. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Hiromichi Akiba, owner, local supermarket (ending with shot 7): "If vegetable prices rise again, we will find it difficult to bear. Currently, tomatoes are being sold in packets of four. In the future, this might change to packets of three. We have to come up with solutions like this."; 7. Various of cucumbers for sale; Japan - Recent 8. Various of owner of local Japanese hub cooking, serving dish; 9. Diner taking photo of dish; 10. SOUNDBITE (Japanese) Kiyomi Momma, owner, local Japanese hub (partially overlaid with shot 11): "Some of the dishes in our restaurant are currently not covering their costs at all. With prices being so high, we are indeed facing significant challenges."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 11. Diners eating; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 12. Various of consumers shopping in supermarket, vegetables for sale. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]