In September, Japanese consumers were hit with rising costs, as electricity and gas prices saw an increase across all firms. The financial surge is a result of various factors including market fluctuations, costs of raw materials, and certain policy changes. Consumers, businesses, and the economy at large are feeling the pinch.

Rising utility costs are a significant issue in Japan due to the country's heavy reliance on imported energy sources. Any increase directly impacts household budgets and the viability of many small and medium-sized businesses. Japan's government and regulatory bodies work to balance these concerns with market factors and the need for energy companies to remain profitable.

In the US and EU, similar increases in energy costs elicit a strong consumer backlash. However, unlike Japan, both these regions have more domestic energy resources and potentially greater flexibility to switch suppliers, giving consumers some power in the market. Still, both also face challenges balancing environmental goals, market pressures, and consumer affordability.