Initial results for 2025 suggest real wages in Japan were down for the fourth consecutive year. Initial figures from MHLW show a 0.8% overall decline, alongside a 1.3% fall in wages adjusted for CPI excluding imputed rents, which provides a clearer picture of how hard wage changes are likely to hit households. Wage increases are…
Japan’s top pure-play online food retailer, Oisix ra daichi, has invested in US fresh food platform GrubMarket through its corporate venture arm, Future Food Fund. The fund’s second vehicle completed a new investment in December 2025, its 39th deal to date. GrubMarket runs a B2B marketplace that links farmers, wholesalers, retailers and restaurants across North…
Bankruptcy cases in Japan reached a 12-year peak in 2025, with 10,300 companies facing closure due to rising raw material costs and labour shortages. The challenging economic environment, marked by inflation and a tight job market, is expected to keep the Bank of Japan under pressure to raise interest rates. Labour shortages were cited by…
Luxury brand Loewe recently unveiled its largest store in Japan, CASA LOEWE Ginza, which is also its second-largest worldwide. Located at the main Ginza intersection, the store features a collaboration with ceramic studio Suna Fujita, showcasing unique artworks based on various Loewe products. It offered a preview of the new Loewe x Suna Fujita collection,…
OIC Group has announced the takeover of mango production operations at San Hills Okinawa, the largest mango farm in northern Okinawa. This is the latest OIC acquisition, following its stated aim to have 100 subsidiaries within a few years. In addition to supplying mangos for OIC’s supermarkets and hospitality businesses, the move aligns with efforts…
Sukidayo has successfully raised ¥85 million for its ”couple tech” app, designed to help couples communicate. The funds will be used to accelerate user acquisition domestically and globally, strengthen product development, and enhance data and AI infrastructure. Sukidayo’s mission is to create a happier society for everyone with their AI-based couple communication app called “Riamo.”…
Aeon announced the complete acquisition of its consolidated subsidiary, the home centre Sunday through a public tender offer. With a focus on revamping business performance in the struggling Tohoku region, the move aims to merge strengths and develop a new store model combining GMS and home centre elements. Plans include expanding into more locations, unifying…
Seven & i Holdings announced its 3Q2025 results for the February 2026 period, revealing an 11.2% drop in operating income at ¥8.509 trillion. Operating profit rose by 3.1%, mainly due to the Superstore Business segment that includes Ito Yokado and York Benimaru, and improvements in the domestic convenience store sector. The company also reported a…
Egg prices continue to soar in Japan, reaching a record high with a 20% increase compared to the previous year’s levels. Rising production costs, including feed expenses, and the spread of avian influenza domestically have contributed to this trend. As a result, the affordability of eggs, once easily purchased, is now becoming a challenge for…
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The Trial Seiyu Hanakoganei store, the first to combine the strengths of Trial and Seiyu following Trial’s acquisition of the latter, aims to provide a smart shopping experience by leveraging Trial’s IT expertise and Seiyu’s urban location. With a focus on sustainable, cost-effective operations, the store offers innovative features like Trial’s Skip Cart for cashless…
Tokyo, the only prefecture still with a continuously growing population, is expected to see populations begin to fall within the next 20 years. By 2050, 13 of 23 wards are projected to lose residents, affecting public transport networks and real estate prices. The city’s slowdown as a hub for business and government operations may also…
Sugi Holdings and Trial Holdings announced a comprehensive partnership where Sugi pharmacies will open outlets in Trial Group’s stores, enhancing convenience for customers. Additionally, Trial will receive health and beauty products from Sugi, while sharing expertise in product assortment and shelf management. This collaboration aims to create specialised Trial stores and introduce efficient store operations…
