Japan’s Ready-Made Meal Market Grows 1.5 Times in 20 Years Ferre KeiraMay 7, 202602.7K views Japan’s ready-made meal (sozai) market continues to expand as dual-income households rise and demographic changes reshape consumer behavior. The market is projected to grow 1.5 times over the past two… Read more
80% of Japanese Housewives Use Reward Points to Cope with Rising Living Costs Ferre KeiraApril 30, 202602.3K views As living costs continue to rise, Japanese households are changing their money-saving habits. Many homemakers are now turning to reward point systems and daily spending adjustments to make cost-cutting easier… Read more
Japan Pushes Contactless Delivery Policy; Aims for 50% Usage by 2030 Ferre KeiraApril 2, 202602.2K views To address labor shortages and rising delivery demand, the Japanese government has approved the “Logistics Policy Outline,” accelerating the adoption of contactless delivery methods such as “placement delivery” and targeting… Read more
Japan Convenience Stores Hit Record Sales, but Face Declining Foot Traffic and Price Pressures Ferre KeiraMarch 26, 202602.5K views Japan’s convenience store industry has recorded its highest-ever sales, but is facing declining customer traffic, as rising prices and shifting consumer behavior present growing challenges. TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) -Japan’s convenience… Read more
Desserts Become Luxury Goods! Cocoa Price Surge Pushes Chocolate into High-Cost Era Derrick SmithMarch 26, 20260970 views According to Statista, cocoa prices stayed between $2 and $3/kg from 2016, rose to $7.33 in 2024, and are estimated to peak at $8 in 2025. Prices may drop slightly… Read more
Brown Rice Gains Popularity for Health Benefits; Online Searches Up 24% Over the Past Decade Ferre KeiraMarch 19, 202602.1K views The trend toward healthier eating is driving renewed interest in brown rice. According to Japan’s Brown Rice Food White Paper 2025, online searches for brown rice have increased by 24%… Read more
Japan’s Toy Market Defies Trend to Reach New High; Adult Players and Tourists as the Biggest Drivers Ferre KeiraNovember 29, 202501K views Despite a declining birth rate, Japan’s toy market continues to grow, projected to surpass 1 trillion yen in 2024. Analysis indicates that adults with a childlike spirit and overseas tourists… Read more
Paper Planners Make a Comeback: Handwriting Finds New Meaning in a Digital World Ferre KeiraNovember 20, 202501.2K views Paper planners are gaining popularity again. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative points out that handwriting brings a sense of stability to organizing thoughts and life rhythm, and is more comfortable running… Read more
Used Smartphone Sales in Japan Hit Record High as Inflation Drives Demand Ferre KeiraNovember 13, 202501.8K views Soaring inflation and communication costs have fueled a boom in the used mobile phone market, with sales hitting record highs. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative reminds consumers to pay attention to… Read more
Japan’s Egg Crisis Deepens Amid Rising Prices and Shortages Julie HowardNovember 7, 202502.1K views Japan is currently grappling with a significant surge in egg prices and a severe supply shortage due to recent bird flu outbreaks. As costs continue to escalate and shortages persist,… Read more