Hiromi Komatsu is hitting Tokyo department stores in search of Christmas presents this year for the first time in her life, as she prepares for a rare visit by family members for the holiday season.
"It's usually not a big deal if we're not together but this year I must be with them," said Komatsu, 40, whose parents live in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, which was devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. "I'm spending a bit more than usual even though I'm between jobs now to give back to my friends" who gave support after the quake.
Komatsu isn't spending in isolation. At J Front Retailing Co., the nation's second-largest department store operator, Christmas cake sales are up 10 percent from a year ago. Demand for platinum used in wedding bands and engagement rings has risen. Sales at Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd.'s flagship store in central Tokyo jumped 6.4 percent in November, the third straight monthly increase.