14:04 (05:04)â¢Holiday Rush Meets Food Crisis
âšThe newspapers expand coverage of the year-end holiday rush, with heavy congestion reported at train stations, airports, and highways (Chunichi, NHK). Food prices continue to surge, with New Year's osechi ingredients reaching record levels - particularly ikura and beef (Nikkei). Cabbage theft incidents are increasing in Ibaraki Prefecture due to nationwide shortage and price spikes (Asahi). Weather reports warn of heavy snowfall along the Sea of Japan coast (TBS, Yahoo).