The Kamakura Fireworks Festival, which had been postponed due to financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising prices, has returned for the first time in five years.
Meanwhile, fireworks festivals across the country have been forced to be canceled. We interviewed them about the current state of fireworks festivals, a seasonal feature of the summer. (Omitted)
Yasai says that fireworks festivals will change in the future, saying, “It’s the same as going to an idol concert or a theme park. There will come a time when it will be normal to have to pay to see fireworks.”
■Price hikes at food stalls One of the joys of fireworks festivals is the rush to raise prices at food stalls.
When we interviewed a food stall at the Kamakura fireworks festival, we found that the price of frankfurters had increased by 100 yen from the last time they were set up, to 800 yen. Yakisoba has also increased in price from 400 yen to 600 yen, and okonomiyaki has increased from 500 yen to 800 yen. Yakisoba shop staff: “Because the cost of buying has gone up.” Frankfurt shop staff: “We have no choice but to raise the prices, but prices are soaring so frankly we don’t make much profit.” Meanwhile, shoppers… 20s man: “I bought it while saying ’it’s expensive!’” 20s woman: “It’s a little expensive, but I came here to buy it because I wanted to eat it with a friend. If I want to eat it, I’ll eat it even if it’s expensive.” 20s man: “I love okonomiyaki. I thought the prices at the food stalls were a bit high. (Q. Would you buy it even if it was 800 yen?) I would.” 7 of the 11 shops we interviewed said they were in a situation where they had no choice but to raise prices. Toshiaki Megumi: “After all, fireworks festivals include these things. But I think we have to protect them somehow.” (Source below 7/19 (Fri) 16:48 TBS News Dig powered by JNN article excerpt 2024/07/20 (Sat) 21:27:03.60
I remember when I was in elementary school 40 years ago, grilled squid was 600 yen and really expensive. But 1000 yen back then and 1000 yen now are not that different in value. Even juice from vending machines was 100 yen.
Fuel is expensive, so 800 yen is fine for a food stall, right? It will sell, right? If it’s a stylish food truck, even a hamburger can cost nearly 3,000 yen.
Comments