Japan

In 2023, sales of bath and shower products in Japan remained higher than pre-pandemic (2019), thanks to the significant bump to sales seen in 2020, but the sales decline that began in 2021 continued. Liquid soap and hand sanitisers saw giant leaps in…

In 2023, both retail and away-from-home tissue and hygiene in Japan maintained growth in current value terms. Demographics, the fading away of COVID-19, and inflation were key factors affecting the industry in 2023. Baby-related products such as…

Looking at the performance of retail adult incontinence in Japan in 2023, current value growth was underpinned by price increases. The overall category saw a double-digit increase in the average unit price in current terms, which turned the low…

Traditionally, Japanese consumers have enjoyed shopping in areas called Shotengai, where many small shops, including small local grocers, are lined up along the streets. Customers visit different specialist shops to buy their vegetables, fish, and…

In May 2023, the Japanese government downgraded the legal status of COVID-19 to class 5, which led to a rebound in footfall for consumer foodservice. Consumers returned to going out, and enjoyed dining out. In particular, bars/pubs, which suffered…

Tourism was one of the industries that was significantly impacted by COVID-19, as border restrictions were tightened globally. Many consumers also refrained from taking domestic trips in the first phase of the pandemic. There were multiple forms of…

In Japan, after plant-based dairy reached its peak of retail volume sales in 2020, it experienced a consistent decline, which intensified from the latter half of 2022 due to rising inflation and the consequent surge in consumer thriftiness. This…

In 2024, drinking milk products in Japan is expected to see an increase in retail current value terms due to rises in unit prices, following price revisions already made in 2023. However, as a result of price rises, retail volume sales are…

Overall home and garden in Japan saw a slight decline in current value terms in 2023, due to an increase in inflation, which dissuaded some consumers from purchasing such products. However, some categories continued to grow, as consumer confidence in…

Owning fish as pets has been popular for many years in Japan, but as with trends seen in dogs, the popularity is shifting to smaller breeds. Large-sized fish such as carp, usually kept in ponds in the garden, are falling out of favour, with fewer…