Aiko Tanaka writes from Tokyo on Japanese and Korean retail, luxury, beauty and the cultural forces reshaping how Asia shops. She has spent more than eight years reporting on department stores, konbini chains and the country's ageing but still highly demanding consumer base. Before joining RetailNews.asia she was a lifestyle and business reporter at a Japanese national newspaper, where she covered Isetan Mitsukoshi, Fast Retailing and the rise of niche J-beauty brands. Her work often explores how heritage retailers in Tokyo and Osaka are courting younger shoppers, inbound tourists and premium K-beauty and K-fashion labels. Aiko is a regular visitor to Seoul, where she tracks Coupang, Musinsa and the fast-changing world of Korean live commerce. She is fluent in Japanese, Korean and English, and often translates industry reports for RNA's regional audience. When she isn't writing, she is usually browsing depachika food halls or hunting down independent boutiques in Shibuya and Seongsu.
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Heineken, the renowned brewing titan, has reported a substantial surge in growth during the first half of this fiscal year, following its decision to eliminate 3000 roles within the organization. The company declared a $24.3 billion revenue during this…
Allianz Global Investors (AllianzGI) is set to acquire UOB Asset Management (UOBAM), the asset management division of Singapore’s United Overseas Bank (UOB). This acquisition will notably augment AllianzGI’s influence in Southeast Asia and provide broader…
Hermès, the renowned luxury brand, is welcoming back its patrons to its newly renovated and expanded retail space in Hanshin Mall, located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The boutique, which was initially launched in 1996, now sprawls over two levels after undergoing a…
Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company, a leading player in the commercial aviation sector, experienced robust financial and operational outcomes in the second quarter and first half of 2026. This growth was fuelled by stable travel demand, the airline’s…
Extended periods of rainfall have negatively impacted dragon fruit production, resulting in a doubling of farm-gate prices since May to VND15,000 (US$0.57) per kilogram. The price of the red-fleshed variety has seen an increase to VND20,000 in the Central…
India recently greenlit fresh durian imports from Vietnam. This move gives exporters the opportunity to tap into a market boasting 1.47 billion consumers, and also offers them an alternative to their traditional target destinations. The decision to include…
NTT DOCOMO, a prominent telecommunications company, has reported a remarkable surge in subscribers for its innovative Docomo Starlink Direct service. The subscription numbers exceeded 5 million just over two months after the service was launched, signaling a…
Yum China, the company behind KFC and Pizza Hut, has expressed its plans to further expand its footprint after a profitable second quarter. The robust financial performances from both KFC and Pizza Hut were significant factors in the company’s growth. Strong…
Food banks in Wellington have experienced a significant boost due to a cooperative initiative that integrated the hunting industry, community organizations, and local enterprises. A total of 775 meals were contributed due to the joint effort of the NZ Game…
During the first half of 2026, online retail sales have seen a significant surge, growing by over 40% year-over-year on key e-commerce platforms. This is triple the growth rate of Vietnam’s overall retail sector. Online Marketplaces Experience Rapid Growth…
Bloom Nutrition, a health and wellness brand originating from the United States, has recently made its debut in Australia with the introduction of its Sparkling Energy Drinks. Nourishing Energy Beverages Bloom Nutrition’s unique beverage blend boasts zero…
Ant International is making inroads into the traditional banking industry in Asia, with Hang Seng Bank being the first to partner with the payment network in Hong Kong. This collaboration will enable customers to make cross-border QR payments directly from…