Reporting and analysis on retail, e-commerce, and consumer trends in Japan, updated continuously by our newsroom.
Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation and Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co. have established a new joint venture to provide commercial on-demand-bus (ODB) transit services controlled by artificial intelligence. The joint venture, Next Mobility, will commence operations in…
Enjoying something of a revival in recent years, Japanese soccer and the J-League once again appear to be the leading light in Asia. However, it’s not only in Asia where the competition is hitting the headlines, with high-profile signings at Vissel Kobe…
Suzuki may be the next two-wheeler manufacturer which is likely working on advanced rider assist systems (ARAS) which could be based on radar technology. Images filed in a recent patent in Japan indicates that Suzuki is looking to install radar reflectors at…
Taiwanese incumbent carrier Chunghwa Telecom has signed an MoU with Japan’s Softbank for collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI) and IoT. In a statement, the companies said the technological and commercial cooperation aims to develop use cases for…
Singtel‘s cross-border mobile payments alliance VIA has expanded into Japan through a partnership with Tokyo-bassed mobile payment technology NETSTARS. The addition of NETSTARS to the alliance will add 100,000 stores to the network’s current 1.6 million…
Smartphone brand Samsung has opened a new Galaxy flagship in Tokyo. The six-level location is the largest Galaxy showcase store worldwide, and features a front facade decorated with more than 1000 smartphones, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the product…
Zoff Hong Kong may have only six stores for now, but the Japanese eyewear brand is proving a standout for local licensee Convenience Retail Asia. Victor Fung, chairman of the listed Fung Group affiliate, says Zoff Hong Kong has enjoyed “remarkable success”…
Hypebeast Ltd. is pleased to announce the official launch of Hypebeast Japan Ltd., grounding its cultural influence in the region and marking another step in furthering expansion in Asia. The Company is also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Akihiro…
Hong Kong-headquartered retail technology company Yo-ren has secured US$11 million in a funding round it plans to use to expand into Thailand and Malaysia. Yo-ren designs, develops, and operates smart phone-based customer management programs and provides…
UNIQLO, Japanese global apparel retailer, announces that it will launch a special UT (UNIQLO graphic T-shirts) collaboration collection that celebrates the megahit game series Monster Hunter™ and Street Fighter® from Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and…
After opening its Global Flagship Store at Orchard Central in 2016, UNIQLO will welcome its second largest store in Singapore on 11 April 2019, as it sets foot in the iconic Jewel Changi Airport. Aspiring to showcase its LifeWear ethos to the world, UNIQLO…
Starbucks opens a four-story fully-immersive Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Tokyo today. Located in the Nakameguro neighborhood, the new venue offers more than 100 unique coffee and tea beverages and merchandise exclusively available in store. It will be the…
Fast Retailing Group has reported a decline in revenues for Uniqlo Japan against broader successes internationally in its first quarter. A sharp profit decline on sluggish sales of seasonal ranges during a warm winter in Japan has given rise to disappointing…
Japanese eatery Botejyu, a restaurant chain specialising in okosoba and okonomiyaki dishes, has opened a flagship at One Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City. The new branch is the largest of 12 Botejyu locations in the Philippines, with more outlets expected…
Muji parent Ryohin Keikaku has filed a lawsuit against Singaporean retailer Iuiga alleging trademark infringement. During an interview Muji president Satoru Matsuzaki said the lawsuit was filed against Iuiga in Singapore courts in late January for “trademark…
Higher revenues have motivated almost 70 percent of Japanese firms in Vietnam to consider expanding their business here. Higher revenue was cited as the reason for expansion plans by 65 percent of Japanese businesses. Another 43 percent saw greater potential…
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