New “Katsu Curry Index” Aims to Show How Weak the Yen Really Is

A new “Katsu Curry Index” is being promoted as a simple way to gauge how weak the yen has become. The idea is to track the price of katsu curry—one of Japan’s popular everyday meals—across different times or outlets. If curry becomes noticeably more expensive compared with earlier periods, it’s presented as evidence that currency depreciation is raising everyday costs. The index turns complex exchange-rate effects into a relatable, consumer-level measure. Supporters say it helps people quickly understand inflation pressure, while critics note pricing can also be affected by other factors such as ingredient costs and restaurant markups.