Lawson, Seven-Eleven Japan to Cut Rice Ball Prices

Tokyo, Aug. 25 (Jiji Press)–Major Japanese convenience store operators Lawson Inc. and Seven-Eleven Japan Co. have announced price cuts for their “onigiri” rice ball products. Lawson said Monday that it will cut the prices of 20 onigiri products, including six items on sale across the country and products available in limited areas, by 10 yen from Sept. 29. The move reflects falling prices of rice, according to Lawson officials. The price will go down to 171 yen from 181 yen for a product with tuna and mayonnaise filling and to 211 yen from 221 yen for another with grilled salmon flakes. Lawson raised its onigiri prices five times in the past four years due to surges in material procurement and logistics costs. Seven-Eleven Japan also said Monday that it will reduce the prices of two onigiri products, including one with spicy cod roe, by 19 yen from Sept. 8. The markdown comes as a result of a review of material procurement, according to the company. Seven-Eleven Japan is considering whether to cut the prices of other onigiri products. Among other convenience store chains, FamilyMart Co. is set to lower the price of a large-size onigiri with kelp, tuna and mayonnaise to 298 yen from 320 yen, starting Tuesday. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]