Price Rise a Worry? Think of the Umaibo

Next time there's a rise in the price of onions, milk or petrol, do suck it in. While the lala land level of agitations as seen in Left-ruled Kolkata in 1981 over the increase of public bus fares by 5 paise - 31 buses and five tramcars were partially or completely burnt by protestors - is, hopefully, a thing of the past, inflation can still be an election-decider, a vote-killer. India, perhaps, should instead look at the anguish that the Japanese are facing as they learnt this week that a favourite food item will cost more from April - up from ¥10 (₹6.52) to ¥12 (₹7.83). This 'whopping' 20% hike bears the additional burden of the price of umaibo - literally, 'delicious stick' - having remained unchanged since it first entered the market in July 1979. Until this April, that is. That by itself makes the cornstick snack, a favourite of kids, an iconic product.

The unprecedented rise in umaibo's price has been caused by the rising price of corn imported from the US. It's not the ₹1.30 rise after 43 years per se that has flummoxed the Japanese. It's more the symbolic act of an 'inflation-proof' country being breached that has left them feeling vulnerable. Chances of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida having to 'explain to the people' or irate youngsters destroying public property are, however, extremely slim. The Japanese, they are like that only.