How will our daily lives in Japan be affected by price hikes, min. wage updates from Oct.?

TL;DR

• Elderly care: Co-payment for 75+ rises to full 20%.
• Food & drinks: 500ml beverages 200 yen+; 3,000+ items see hikes.
• Work rules: Flexible work (telework/shorter hours) to assist parents.
• Minimum wage: increase. national avg. 1,121 yen/hour; Tokyo tops at 1,226 yen.
• Auto insurance: Premiums up 8.5% (Tokio Marine); others +6–7.5% in 2026.