Tofu, a staple known for its stable affordability, is facing challenges in Japan, with stores across the country feeling the pressure of rising prices for soybeans, the key ingredient in bean curd, as well as rising electricity and gas bills .
Traditionally, tofu is important in the diets of many Japanese households, along with eggs and bean sprouts, and is consistently sold at low prices. Any significant price increase threatens to damage sales.
With bankruptcies and voluntary business closures showing no signs of slowing, the industry is looking to broaden its sales channels in an effort to overcome the dire situation.