Uniqlo Reverses Sock Price Rise After Customer Backlash in Japan
Uniqlo has dropped a planned rise in the price of its socks after customers protested, while restaurant chain Saizeriya apologised for a 20 yen increase, as Japanese firms struggle with rising costs.
Published November 8, 2026 9:06 pm GMT+0545
Japanese clothing giant Uniqlo has reversed a decision to raise the price of its socks after customers protested, in a sign of how hard it has become for companies in Japan to pass on rising costs.
The company dropped the price rise after shoppers complained, backing down rather than risking losing customers.
Restaurant chain Saizeriya also apologised to customers after raising the price of one of its most popular dishes by just 20 yen.
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The pressure comes from the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has disrupted oil exports from the Middle East and pushed up the cost of making and moving goods in Japan.
Japan depends on imported energy, and it was already struggling with rising prices after the war in Ukraine. The fighting around Iran and disruption to tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have added further pressure on Japanese businesses.
With production and transport costs still climbing, many firms are holding off price rises because they fear customers will walk away. Those that do raise prices are finding that shoppers push back, and some are forced to retreat or say sorry.
Edited by Yukesh Chaudhary
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