Japanese fast food joints are seeing a surprising trend - consumers willingly paying more than 2000 yen, almost 20 dollars, for gourmet hamburgers. Having started in select outlets across Tokyo, the trend seems to be growing throughout the country. The burger that makes a hole in one's wallet contains high-quality ingredients aimed at attracting food connoisseurs. Restaurants cite costs of production as the lead factor in pricing.

In Japan, a strong emphasis is placed on quality and taste of food, even within the fast food industry. The extra cost, though unheard of for a hamburger, is seen as justifiable if the culinary experience is unique and satisfying. The trend reflects Japan's economic stability and the growing interest in gourmet versions of popular food items.

In the US or EU, gourmet burgers are common but not usually priced quite so high. While there are certainly exceptions, typically, high-end burgers are around the 10-15 dollar mark. The higher costs in Japan may be attributed to the unique premium ingredients and the country's overall higher cost of living.