Overview
The Japan Finance Corporation's Consumer Trend Survey for June 2025 reveals that while dining out frequency is recovering, the impact of rising prices on food expenses is deepening, with real wages continuing to decline.
Regarding dining out frequency over the past six months, the proportion responding "decreased" has fallen to 23.1%, the lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a recovery trend. However, for future dining out intentions, 26.5% plan to "decrease," up 2.6 points from the previous survey, showing increasing caution. By age group, those in their 20s show the strongest intention to dine out, while those in their 60s and above show more restraint.
Current food expenses (excluding dining out) averaged 73,306 yen per month, up 3,125 yen (4.5%) from the previous survey. When asked about changes in food expenses over the past year, 85.6% responded "increased," a record high. The impact of rising food prices is strongly reflected, with 59.8% citing "rising prices" as the reason for increased expenses.
Real wages (nominal wages adjusted for price increases) showed 71.1% responding "decreased" over the past six months, maintaining high levels. For the next six months outlook, 61.9% expect "decrease," indicating persistent expectations of declining real wages. The continuing decline in real wages constrains consumption, and combined with uncertainty about future income, appears to be a factor in cautious spending attitudes.
For future food expense savings intentions, 64.5% responded "want to save," up 0.8 points from the previous survey, maintaining high levels. By income level, the savings intention is stronger among lower-income groups, with 71.8% of households with annual income under 4 million yen wanting to save. Specific savings measures include "reducing dining out frequency," "buying cheaper alternatives," and "reducing purchase volume."
The survey results indicate that while post-COVID normalization is progressing with recovering dining out demand, the severe consumer environment continues due to rising prices and declining real wages. Consumer defensive attitudes are strengthening, particularly regarding food expenses, suggesting the need for price stabilization measures and wage increase policies.
This summary was automatically generated by AI. Please refer to the original article for accuracy.
The Japan Finance Corporation's Consumer Trend Survey for June 2025 reveals that while dining out frequency is recovering, the impact of rising prices on food expenses is deepening, with real wages continuing to decline.
Regarding dining out frequency over the past six months, the proportion responding "decreased" has fallen to 23.1%, the lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating a recovery trend. However, for future dining out intentions, 26.5% plan to "decrease," up 2.6 points from the previous survey, showing increasing caution. By age group, those in their 20s show the strongest intention to dine out, while those in their 60s and above show more restraint.
Current food expenses (excluding dining out) averaged 73,306 yen per month, up 3,125 yen (4.5%) from the previous survey. When asked about changes in food expenses over the past year, 85.6% responded "increased," a record high. The impact of rising food prices is strongly reflected, with 59.8% citing "rising prices" as the reason for increased expenses.
Real wages (nominal wages adjusted for price increases) showed 71.1% responding "decreased" over the past six months, maintaining high levels. For the next six months outlook, 61.9% expect "decrease," indicating persistent expectations of declining real wages. The continuing decline in real wages constrains consumption, and combined with uncertainty about future income, appears to be a factor in cautious spending attitudes.
For future food expense savings intentions, 64.5% responded "want to save," up 0.8 points from the previous survey, maintaining high levels. By income level, the savings intention is stronger among lower-income groups, with 71.8% of households with annual income under 4 million yen wanting to save. Specific savings measures include "reducing dining out frequency," "buying cheaper alternatives," and "reducing purchase volume."
The survey results indicate that while post-COVID normalization is progressing with recovering dining out demand, the severe consumer environment continues due to rising prices and declining real wages. Consumer defensive attitudes are strengthening, particularly regarding food expenses, suggesting the need for price stabilization measures and wage increase policies.