Japan Convenience Stores Hit Record Sales, but Face Declining Foot Traffic and Price Pressures Ferre KeiraMarch 26, 202602K 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, 20260565 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
Consumer Polarization Deepens in Japan as Experiential Spending Gains Momentum Ferre KeiraMarch 26, 202602K views Amid rising prices, frugality is spreading among consumers in Japan. At the same time, spending is becoming increasingly polarized, with more people prioritizing personal interests and experiences. TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE)… Read more
Global Food Prices End a Five-Month Decline, While Wheat Prices Rose Against the Trend by 1.8% in February Julie HowardMarch 19, 20260209 views Amid mounting pressure from geopolitical tensions and rising energy costs, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) reported that global wheat prices increased by 1.8% month over… Read more
Brown Rice Gains Popularity for Health Benefits; Online Searches Up 24% Over the Past Decade Ferre KeiraMarch 19, 202601.9K 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
Tokyo’s Ideal Residential Areas Shift to Suburbs as Rising Prices Change Housing Choices Ferre KeiraMarch 19, 202601.9K views As Tokyo’s housing prices continue to rise, popular rental and home-buying locations are moving from the city center to more affordable, convenient suburban areas. TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – According to… Read more
A Decade of Gains Gold Prices Climb 300% Safe Haven Status in Focus Derrick SmithMarch 19, 20260438 views Dubbed the “King of Safe Havens,” gold has experienced price fluctuations over the past decade but has maintained a steady upward trend. From around $1,050 per ounce in early 2016,… Read more
Japan’s Breakfast Market Hits Record High as Brunch Boom Fuels Dining Industry Growth Ferre KeiraMarch 19, 202601.9K views Changing lifestyles and proactive industry expansion have pushed Japan’s breakfast market to a record high in 2025, with demand continuing to rise. TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – Japan’s breakfast market is… Read more
Global Birth Rates Decline as Births Fall 8.6% Over the Past Decade Derrick SmithMarch 19, 20260461 views Over the past decade, global births have declined by approximately 8.6%. This structural shift is gradually weakening future labor supply and economic momentum. TAIPEI, TAIWAN (MERXWIRE) – The global population… Read more
Handmade Heritage Goods See Fresh Growth in Global Market Julie HowardMarch 19, 20260183 views The latest market report challenges the long-held perception that traditional crafts are no longer in demand. Forecasts indicate that the global handicrafts market will exceed USD 1.3 trillion in this… Read more