Already expensive Starbucks set to rise prices

If I'm being honest, I don't have many expensive habits. I'm not the kind of person who splurges on luxury items like fancy bags or jewelry, and one small indulgence I genuinely look forward to in Japan is seasonal treats from coffee shops like Starbucks. It's always felt like an easy way to reward myself for a reasonable price, but lately, even that simple pleasure is starting to feel harder to justify.

Starbucks here recently announced a series of price changes, citing rising material and energy costs. Some permanent-menu drinks at standard locations will increase by 5 to 30 yen, while the popular "One More Coffee" refill service will rise by 20 yen. Certain food items are also becoming more expensive. On top of that, they are expanding their location-based pricing system, meaning some branches in central Tokyo and major transit hubs charge higher prices for the same items. Not sure how I feel about that one...

Another change (a smaller but still symbolic one), is the introduction of a fee for takeout bags. Customers who need one now pay 11 yen per order, and it's part of the company's push to reduce environmental impact.