Reporting and analysis on retail, e-commerce, and consumer trends in Japan, updated continuously by our newsroom.
Health and beauty retail giant Watsons has unveiled its new initiative, The Watsons Family, a character-driven brand strategy set to enhance customer interaction throughout Asia. The Watsons Family Initiative The Watsons Family comprises 16 distinctive…
PayPay, the mobile payment service owned by SoftBank Group, is poised to expand its reach beyond Japan, with plans to launch its app for international use as early as late September. This move aims to cater to the growing number of Japanese travelers seeking…
In a striking revelation about Japan’s changing cultural landscape, a recent survey by Tokyo-based marketing firm Mery Co. reveals that 44% of Japanese in their twenties abstain from alcohol entirely, while an additional 16% drink less than once a month. When…
Japan is gearing up for a significant financial innovation with plans to introduce its first stablecoin by late 2025. This move, while groundbreaking, is not predicted to shake up the dynamics of Japanese government bonds significantly. According to Bank of…
In an innovative move to deepen its engagement with local communities, Japanese convenience store chain Lawson has formed a partnership with a free school lunch program in the Philippines. This initiative not only aims to boost brand visibility but also…
An ultramodern shopping mall has officially opened its doors in Tokyo, aiming to attract shoppers not just with products, but also with memorable experiences. Located near Takanawa Gateway City in the Minato ward, this new destination launched on September 12…
In a landmark achievement for the Japanese retail landscape, Fast Retailing has reported that Uniqlo’s domestic sales soared to approximately 1.03 trillion yen ($6.98 billion) for the fiscal year ending August 2025. This impressive 10% year-on-year increase…
The corporate world is buzzing, and Tokyo’s office leasing market is feeling the effects. According to the latest insights from JLL, a robust demand from companies is set to keep leasing volumes strong in the latter half of the year. The appetite for office…
Matcha, previously a specialty tea in Japan, has gained considerable international popularity. This trend is especially noticeable among the younger demographic that values both taste and health benefits. The green tea powder has permeated various sectors…
Japanese apparel company, United Arrows, is set to launch its first global online store in September. This milestone will allow the brand to increase its international presence, providing a tailored shopping experience for its global clientele. Until now,…
Brand Studio Lifestyle recently announced the opening of a new flagship store for the brands Highlander and Tokyo Talkies. The store is located in the JP Nagar area of Bangalore, representing the 40th store of this kind in India. Expansion Plans The opening…
In a remarkable move signaling a bold shift in the Asian retail landscape, iconic American department store chain Macy’s is poised to launch its inaugural store on the vibrant streets of Tokyo in 2024. This ambitious endeavor comes on the heels of Macy’s…
This week, Swarovski, the renowned Austrian producer of luxury cut lead glass, inaugurated its new flagship store in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, Japan, marking another step forward in the brand’s expansion across Asia. Store Design The new retail space, which is…
Tokyo’s hospitality landscape is in for a makeover, with an exciting lineup of luxury hotels poised to make their debut. A recent report by JLL reveals that while there were no new international hotel openings in the Japanese capital during the second quarter…
Japan’s satellite communications landscape is on the brink of transformation as Rakuten Group and Amazon gear up to launch their own services, challenging the long-standing dominance of SpaceX’s Starlink. With operations expected to begin as early as next…
Chiikawa Ramen Buta, a famed Japanese ramen house, has expanded its culinary horizons, making its inaugural global foray with a new establishment in Langham Place, Hong Kong. The brand draws inspiration from the popular ‘Ro’ series depicted in the Chiikawa…
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