Business Jul 4, 2020
Japan's fussy food shoppers finally go online amid pandemic
by Ritsuko Ando
Although the nation's e-commerce development lags behind that of its peers, COVID-19 has prompted a rise in buyers ordering from home.
Business / Corporate Jun 25, 2020
Lawson to kick off self-checkout reward campaign to curb virus spread
by Dina Kartit
As the coronavirus continues to spread, the convenience store chain is aiming to reduce face-to-face contact between staff and customers.
Business / Corporate Jun 12, 2020
Shiseido looks to China's online model for post-pandemic growth
by Lisa Du and Grace Huang
Measures to control the virus have melted away social norms like putting on makeup in the morning or spritzing on perfume before a night out.
Business / Tech Jun 1, 2020
E-ticketing platform Zaiko's livestream success sees unwelcome imitators
by Patrick St. Michel
The ticketing company pivoted to livestreaming events when the coronavirus struck, a move that may change how we experience music in Japan.
Business May 27, 2020
Japan enacts law toughening transparency regulations on tech giants
The measure addresses concerns such companies are taking advantage of their market dominance to mistreat merchants who offer wares on their platforms.
Business May 17, 2020
Intermediate wholesalers at Tokyo's Toyosu food market are focusing more on direct online sales to consumers at a time when seafood demand has plunged due to restaurant closures amid the coronavirus pandemic. Online sales are gradually becoming more popular as high-end fish is often offered ...
Business May 7, 2020
Online booksellers struggling to meet demand from Japanese readers
Publishers scramble to find new ways of getting books to customers as Amazon focuses restocking efforts and delivery on essential items.
Business / Corporate Apr 23, 2020
Rakuten PCR test risks spreading coronavirus, says Japan health expert
An official on the health ministry's expert panel for COVID-19 has expressed concerns over a test kit for the new coronavirus released by cybermall operator Rakuten Inc. "The collection of specimens involves infection risks and may cause the spread of the virus to others," Satoshi ...
Business / Corporate Apr 20, 2020
Rakuten begins selling coronavirus testing kits to companies in Tokyo
E-commerce giant Rakuten Inc. said Monday it has started selling coronavirus testing kits to companies in Tokyo and four surrounding prefectures. The self-assessment kit developed by genetic analysis firm Genesis Healthcare Co. is designed for people who suspect they have the pneumonia-causing disease but are ...
Business Apr 10, 2020
Amazon worker positive for COVID-19 day after Bezos toured warehouse
An Amazon.com Inc. warehouse visited this week by Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos confirmed its first employee case of the new coronavirus, according to a message sent to workers on Thursday. The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was last at the site on Monday, ...
Business Apr 10, 2020
Virus pandemic pushes Japan’s shoppers to finally buy online
by Lisa Du
Now that the government is urging consumers and businesses to step up efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak, shoppers may finally have no excuse but to embrace e-commerce and wean themselves from brick-and-mortar stores. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency for Tokyo ...
Business / Corporate Apr 5, 2020
In graying Japan, the market for home shopping is still maturing
by Alex Martin
The suit-clad television presenter makes breathless promises about the qualities of the Hitachi rice cooker he is pitching, describing how the induction heating steam pressure system allows the aluminum pot to produce the perfect batch of Japan’s staple food with a fluffy yet firm ...