The average retail price of eggs in Japan reached 309 yen for a pack of 10 in September, matching the previous record high. Rising feed costs, a weaker yen and the effects of past avian influenza outbreaks are keeping prices high, with further supply disruptions feared as winter approaches.
Figures from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) show that a pack of 10 mixed-size eggs cost an average of 309 yen in a survey conducted from September 7 to 9, 2026, across 470 retail outlets. The price was 19% higher than the five-year average for September.
The higher prices are also affecting some shoppers. At a supermarket in Tokyo, one customer said she was buying eggs less frequently. The retailer, meanwhile, reported selling eggs at a loss to keep prices down.
Rising feed costs put pressure on producers
Feed remains one of the biggest expenses for Japanese egg producers. The weakening yen and tensions in the Middle East have pushed up the cost of imports, while egg supplies have yet to fully recover from last season’s avian influenza outbreaks. Higher demand for seasonal egg-based products has also contributed to the price increases.
The National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations (JA Zen-Noh) announced a further increase in its compound feed supply prices for October–December 2026, averaging 3,200 yen per tonne compared with the previous quarter. This is the fourth consecutive quarterly rise.
The figure covers all livestock species, with increases varying by region, species and feed product. The latest increase could add to production costs for layer farmers, depending on their feed supply arrangements.
Avian influenza adds to concerns
Japan has recorded avian influenza outbreaks for six consecutive seasons since 2020. During the particularly severe 2022–2023 season, approximately 17.7 million birds were culled, leading to egg shortages and sharp price increases.
The crisis, widely referred to as the egg shock, also disrupted the food industry, forcing some companies to suspend sales or production of products containing eggs.
Further outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza during the winter months could put additional pressure on supplies, particularly as egg demand traditionally peaks around Christmas.
Producer organisations and food companies are looking at ways to prepare for possible shortages. These include making greater use of frozen egg products and sharing storage costs. Recommendations are expected by March 2027.
Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture is also considering vaccination against avian influenza. Seiji Nobuoka, a former professor at Tokyo University of Agriculture, has highlighted the limitations of relying solely on farm biosecurity measures to prevent outbreaks.
