Reporting and analysis on retail, e-commerce, and consumer trends in Japan, updated continuously by our newsroom.
Liechtenstein-headquartered LGT opened a new wealth management office in Tokyo as part of its efforts to capture opportunities in Japan’s private banking market. Following regulatory approvals, LGT has opened a new office in the Okura Prestige Tower located…
Japanese retail giant, Muji, has forayed into the fresh food industry with the launch of a food complex in collaboration with JD’s Seven Fresh in Shanghai. Operated by both companies, the complex is located inside Ruihongtiandi shopping mall and spans 400sqm,…
Vietnamese companies are racing to develop blockchain games and mobilize millions of dollars from foreign investors as they seek to make their place in the new industry. After the monster-combat game Axie Infinity became the most valuable non-fungible token…
The resumption of auto part factories in Vietnam is set to contribute to the recovery of Japanese automakers struggling with a supply shortage due to Covid-19. The three Vietnam factories of Japan’s Furukawa Electric, which make wire harnesses for cars, are…
Japan’s FamilyMart is making strong inroads into Malaysia, offering a new concept in retail with the focus on fresh food, ruffling the convenience store sector which has been largely dominated by 7-Eleven and MyNews. The world’s second-largest convenience…
Hong Kong noodle chain Tamjai SamGor Mixian is to expand its international reach with its Japanese debut early next year. Marking the brand’s second overseas entry after Singapore, the Japan launch follows its IPO in Hong Kong last week, the proceeds of which…
The chief executive of Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido Co believes inbound tourism will return next year as the pandemic abates, beginning a gradual recovery in sales of high-end goods to travelers. A halt in tourism amid the COVID-19 pandemic has cut off…
Hyundai Motor’s global chief operating officer said on Wednesday the South Korean automaker wants to develop its own chips to reduce reliance on chipmakers. A global shortage of semiconductors, triggered partly by surging demand for laptops and other…
Japanese sports fans will be able to enjoy more premium sports content as SoftBank Corp. (SoftBank), a leading telecom carrier in Japan, has partnered with SES for the aggregation and delivery of live sporting events to its corporate customers, such as TV…
Metro aims to cease the operative business by the end of October 2021, whereby all 10 stores and the delivery business will be closed. The company has thoroughly analysed alternative options but sees no path to profitable growth and a leading wholesale…
lue Bottle Coffee, the Nestle-owned American coffee chain, has entered Osaka with a trendy look designed by Tokyo-based studio, I In. Customers entering the store are welcomed by an open space filled with the essence of warm wood and bright light through…
Japan’s retail sales rose for a fifth straight month in July, beating expectations as the consumer sector continued its recovery, although a coronavirus resurgence has cast doubts over the spending outlook. A surge in Delta variant cases this month forced the…
Starbucks today announced a new program to reduce food waste at select Starbucks stores across Japan. To ensure unsold food does not go to waste, participating stores have the option of marking down select bakery products by 20% several hours prior to…
UBS and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust further their two-year alliance with the latest launch of a wealth management joint venture in Japan. UBS and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings (SMTH) has launched operations under joint venture UBS SuMi TRUST Wealth Management,…
Hidefumi Hommyo got an unusual start in the sneaker business. A native of Japan who became acquainted with the US while studying at Temple University in Philadelphia, Hommyo realized sneakers that were rare in Japan could be found easily, and cheaply, in the…
Daikin which is the Japanese air conditioning major has revealed that it has developed an air conditioner that can help EVs extend their range by up to 50 per cent which is a huge gain. The report comes from Nikkei Asia, the Japanese financial daily. The…
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