Japan’s fast-food chains face new headache
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Already reeling from a handful of scandals, Japan’s fast-food industry faces a new problem: diners are no longer heading out for meals like they used to.
“Japanese consumers are choosing to buy their meals at convenience stores and eat at home,” said Japan Food Analyst Association (JFAA) chairman Hiroyuki Kamiya.
While the trend started a few years ago as convenience stores introduced new product lines, the consumption tax hike to 8 percent from 5 percent last April that pushed the economy into a technical recession and a string of employee exploitation scandals have accelerated the trend, he said.
Questions & Answers
Q.What new challenge is the fast-food industry in Japan currently facing?
What new challenge is the fast-food industry in Japan currently facing?
Diners in Japan are no longer going out for meals as frequently. Consumers are opting to purchase their meals from convenience stores instead and eat them at home, impacting fast-food chain sales.
Q.What factors have contributed to the decline in customers at Japanese fast-food restaurants?
What factors have contributed to the decline in customers at Japanese fast-food restaurants?
A consumption tax hike to 8 percent last April and several employee exploitation scandals have accelerated the trend. Consumers were already shifting towards convenience stores due to new product lines offered there.
Q.Who has commented on the shift in consumer eating habits in Japan?
Who has commented on the shift in consumer eating habits in Japan?
Hiroyuki Kamiya, the chairman of the Japan Food Analyst Association, has commented on this change. He noted that Japanese consumers are increasingly choosing convenience stores and home dining over fast-food restaurants.
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