Families are preparing to pay more for their “nabe” (Japanese hot pot dishes) this season, due to a supply shortage driving up the prices of winter vegetables. Japan-wide, forecasts predict the upcoming winter to be colder than usual, and household finances are expected to take a hit if vegetable prices continue to rise. Daido Vegetables and Fruits’ section manager Mr. Aoyagi attributes the poor harvest to an extremely hot summer nationwide, especially in Kanto region, followed by a sudden drop of temperature in November, as well as the damages suffered from October’s typhoons. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, Nov. 25
