Business and Economy

Japan’s Costco Resale Shops Struggle to Distinguish Themselves

There are only 36 Costcos in Japan - but there are nearly three times as many stores whose whole business is reselling the company's products.

Will Chinese Cabbage Save Japanese Tonkatsu From Rising Prices?

High cabbage prices in Japan show no sign of abating. That's led supermarkets to get desperate. And by "desperate," we mean relying on China.

“Employee-San”: Why Japan’s Managers Are Shifting to Honorifics for Their Staff

Gone are the days of "chan" and "kun" in Japanese business. Recent research finds bosses are striking a more respectful tone.

Is 7-11 Becoming Japan’s Worst Combini?

7-11 Japan say a new discount campaign is winning back customers. But many say the chain's offerings are still a raw deal.

Why This Bookstore in Tokyo is Charging Admission

Would you pay to shop in a bookstore? Many in Japan would. Here's why Bunkitsu and other admission-based bookstores are booming.

Half of Japanese Businesses Say 1500 Yen Hourly Wage “Impossible”

Prices continue to climb in Japan while wages remain stagnant, putting many in a rough spot. The government says it wants to raise the minimum wage to 1500 yen (USD $9.80) by the 2030s. However, in a survey, nearly half of businesses said they can't afford that.

Mister Donut Apologizes for Diglett “Variations” That Everyone Loves

The Diglett donuts from Mister Donut have taken Japan social media by storm, as users revel in the amusing individual variations from donut to donut. So everyone was shocked when the company apologized this week, saying the variations "weren't intentional" and it "feels bad" about the lack of uniformity.

Japan’s Christmas Cakes Are Getting So Expensive That Some Bakers Wanna Quit

The price of everything in Japan is going up lately. Christmas cakes, a holiday staple since Japan's Taisho era, are no exception. Profit margins are so tight this year some bakers say they might stop making them altogether.

FamilyMart Will Give Over 10K Famichiki Away as School Lunches

Deck the school halls with Famichiki? FamilyMart is making headlines today with its announcement of a very Japanese Christmas-themed giveaway, as it says it'll distribute over 10,000 of its boneless fried chicken fillets as free school lunches in the city of Sayama.

Business and Economy

Before You Go...