Vocabulary:

1. Statement - an official account of facts, plans, etc., especially one given to the media

2. Remain - to stay in a particular place, state, condition, etc.

3. Import - to bring something from one country to another so it can be sold

Article:

McDonald's Japan has increased the prices on much of its menu for the second time in 2022.

In a statement released on September 26, the fast-food company announced that about 60% of its menu would be up to 30 yen — or 21 cents — more expensive from September 30.

The famous Big Mac is among the affected items. It now costs 410 yen, or about $2.85, up from 390 yen, or $2.70. And the price of the Teriyaki McBurger has increased by 20 yen, or about 14 cents.

If you're a fan of Chicken McNuggets, don't worry — they, along with coffees and other drinks, will remain the same in price, McDonald's said.

It's the second time in six months that McDonald's Japan has changed its prices. In March 2022, the company increased prices on 20% of its menu by up to 20 yen, or about 14 cents.

Like other companies around the world, McDonald's said it has been affected by the rising costs of energy and materials.

The yen is also at its weakest since 1998, according to The Wall Street Journal, making importing materials from other countries significantly more expensive.

McDonald's is not the only restaurant in Japan to increase its prices.

Kura Sushi, a popular sushi chain, announced on September 7 that the prices of about 50 of its menu items will increase from October 2022, ending its famous 100-yen (69-cent) sushi deal after nearly 40 years.

And a survey by Nikkei released in June 2022 found that nearly 75% of Japanese restaurants had plans to raise their prices this year.

Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on McDonald's Japan raising its prices?

2. How often do you eat at McDonald's? Do you think it's reasonably priced?

3. Have you been to any overpriced restaurants?