Business / Tech Dec 17, 2020
How scalper bots are undercutting Sony's PlayStation 5
by Takashi Mochizuki
The problem is particularly acute this year because the coronavirus has squeezed production and pushed more console sales online.
Food & Drink Dec 12, 2020
by Jeremy Wilgus
Foreign Buyers’ Club has shut its doors after 33 years, heralding a shift in how Japan’s international residents source cravings from home.
Business / Corporate Dec 4, 2020
How a mother's comment gave a Japanese intern an idea worth billions
by Ming Jeong Lee and Ayaka Maki
Yuta Tsuruoka's Base Inc. has been a beneficiary of a rally in small-cap technology stocks in Japan as retail investors sought to pick winners in the pandemic.
Business Dec 2, 2020
To reach out to the general public, wholesalers and intermediate wholesalers participating in auctions at Toyosu are using e-commerce.
Business / Corporate Nov 25, 2020
Isetan app brings in-store shopping experience online amid pandemic
About 15,000 items such as clothing and cosmetics sold at the Isetan Shinjuku department store can now be purchased using the app.
Business / Corporate Nov 16, 2020
Walmart to sell 85% stake in Seiyu to Rakuten and KKR
by Lisa Du and Takashi Nakamichi
The deal is meant to shore up Seiyu’s digital operations with the aid of its new owners as demand for online retail grows in Japan.
Business Nov 6, 2020
Yamato Transport parcel delivery figures hit record high in October
The 20.7% year-on-year increase in the delivery figures was the largest since 2000, according to the company.
Business / Corporate Nov 2, 2020
Zozo says new body-measuring suit overcomes flaws of original
by Sam Nussey
The new outfit employs 20,000 markers, up from the previous version's 400, to help gauge people's sizes more accurately.
Business Nov 2, 2020
Alibaba’s secret three-year experiment creates next-generation factory
One in four clothing purchases in China was shipped via the firm's e-commerce platforms, granting it access to an ocean of data it has been quietly putting to use.
Business / Corporate Oct 31, 2020
How Japan’s subscription economy could redefine the way consumers and firms interact
by Alex K.T. Martin
Japan has lagged behind other nations in terms of subscription-based activities, but the model is finally catching on as consumers explore new ways of doing business.
Business / Corporate Oct 16, 2020
Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing's profits up on China and Japan sales
by Lisa Du and Grace Huang
Analysts say Fast Retailing is in a position to recover faster compared with its peers, given its emphasis on affordable, basic clothing suitable for working from home.
Business / Corporate Oct 14, 2020
Big money and day traders both love Japanese tech darling Mercari
by Gearoid Reidy and Ayaka Maki
With shares up almost 25% since its last earnings, all eyes will be on its performance in the latest quarter when it announces results Oct. 30.