Japan is witnessing an expansion of businesses catering to solo customers, including restaurants and even karaoke spots targeting patrons who value privacy and minimal human interaction.
Some ramen shops and yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurants, which customarily serve families or groups, are switching gears to focus on individual customers who enjoy dining alone without distractions from staff or other customers.
Service industry insiders believe the trend reflects an effort to address diversifying consumer tastes amid the country's graying society, declining birthrate and protracted deflation.