Fueled by the surging demand for memory driven by the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, hardware prices have soared, placing immense pressure on both consumers and businesses. According to reports, numerous Japanese PC retailers have stopped accepting new orders and issued alerts about delivery delays, as they struggle to keep up with rising costs and manage inventory levels. Since September 2025, spot prices for memory chips have surged by over 300%, with significant price increases seen in both DDR4 and DDR5 memory modules. The world's top three memory manufacturers have redirected most of their production capacity towards chips tailored for AI servers, aiming for higher profit margins. This shift has led to a diminished supply of standard memory products. At the same time, the demand for memory in AI servers is three to eight times greater than that of conventional servers, further widening the supply-demand gap. Additionally, escalating raw material costs and a reversal in the industry cycle have also played a role in driving up memory prices. Due to these inventory shortages, multiple stores in Tokyo's Akihabara district have imposed purchase limits, with some stores witnessing a buying frenzy and several running out of stock entirely.