Japan’s Valentine’s Day Chocolate Season Turns Bitter as Cocoa Prices Soar Ferre KeiraFebruary 5, 20260195 views As Valentine’s Day approaches, department stores across Japan are rolling out chocolate-themed promotions, but this year’s celebrations come with a bitter note. TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – With Valentine’s Day drawing… Read more
Japan’s Supermarket Ready-Made Meals Hit Record High Ferre KeiraFebruary 5, 202601.9K views Japan’s ready-made meal market has surpassed ¥11 trillion, indicating rising consumer demand. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative advises consumers to consider both convenience and product shelf life. TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) –… Read more
The Era of Unmanned Stores: Self-Checkout Becomes Mainstream in Japan Ferre KeiraFebruary 5, 20260260 views Labor shortages and rising wages are driving Japan’s shift to self-checkout and unmanned stores, making automated shopping an increasingly common part of daily life. TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – Structural issues… Read more
Japan’s Matcha Craze Becomes a New Driver of Experiential Tourism Ferre KeiraJanuary 14, 20260386 views Japan’s matcha boom is extending beyond cafés and export markets, increasingly shaping travel trends as foreign visitors seek immersive tea experiences that blend culture, craftsmanship and culinary tourism. TOKYO, JAPAN… Read more
Foreign Tourists Drive Hot Spring Stays Up in Japan; Etiquette Remains Key Ferre KeiraJanuary 3, 20260390 views With record-breaking numbers of foreign tourists visiting Japan, overnight stays in hot spring areas are rebounding. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative reminds tourists to observe proper hot spring etiquette and maintain… Read more
Mochi Safety Alert: Elderly and Visitors Urged to Eat Slowly Ferre KeiraJanuary 3, 20260360 views Mochi is frequently served during the New Year period, but it also poses a hidden risk of choking. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative reminds everyone that January is the peak season… Read more
Japan’s Ice Cream Market Heats Up as Winter Consumption Surges Ferre KeiraDecember 26, 20250572 views The Japanese ice cream market continues to expand, with significant growth in winter sales. With improved living conditions, the rise of therapeutic consumption, and convenience stores pushing up prices, ice… Read more
Japan Moves Toward LED Lighting as Fluorescent Lamp Limits Begin Ferre KeiraDecember 18, 20250713 views Japan will restrict mercury-containing fluorescent lamps starting in 2026, and the Kanto Smart Living Cooperative is urging the public to plan ahead and gradually replace them with LED lighting. TOKYO,… Read more
Rising Food Prices in Japan Put Pressure on Year-End and New Year Holiday Meals Ferre KeiraDecember 12, 20250230 views With food prices hitting record highs, Japanese families face tight budgets for Christmas and New Year meals. The Kanto Smart Living Cooperative advises taking advantage of supermarket discounts, buying essentials… Read more
Japan Sees Strong Rebound in Academic Exchanges as In-Person Activities and Overseas Participants Surge Ferre KeiraDecember 12, 20250191 views Academic exchanges with Japan are rebounding, with both exchange activities and the number of overseas participants increasing. TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – Academic exchanges between Japan and other countries are showing… Read more