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Find the latest insights, innovations, and trends. From various news sources, we pick and summarize the most important insights, innovations, trends, and news from hundreds of reports each week in Japan.
As the demand for private brands increases, Lawson launches a new private brand for the first time in about five years:”Three-Star Lawson”
Lawson, Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Sadahiro Takemasa, hereinafter referred to as "Lawson") will revamp its private brand for the first time in approximately five years since 2020, marking its 50th anniversary this year. The new private brand, named "Three-Star...
Daiso Industries launches new cosmetics brand “Kyumme” from “DAISO×TGC”
On March 1st, Daiso Industries (Hiroshima Prefecture) exhibited at the 40th Mynavi Tokyo Girls Collection 2025 SPRING/SUMMER (sponsored by the Tokyo Girls Collection Executive Committee). In conjunction with this exhibition, DAISO and Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC) have announced the release of a...
Japanese firm launches madeleines made from thinned apples and upcycled cacao husks
GOOD NATURE MARKET in Japan has introduced madeleines made from discarded ingredients like thinned apples and upcycled cacao husks. Owned by GOOD NATURE STATION, a Kyoto-based commercial facility operated by BIOSTYLE Co Ltd, this initiative aligns with sustainable food practices. The Thinned Apple...
Expanding Flavored Sausages: Capturing Dinner and Home Drinking Demand
Expanding Flavored Sausages: Capturing Dinner and Home Drinking Demand Japan’s Sausage Market Struggles Amid Changing Consumer Preferences Japan's sausage market has remained largely unchanged for decades, with a strong reliance on pork-based products. In contrast to the U.S., where a variety of...
Nestlé Japan Targets Younger Consumers with “Nescafé Gold Blend Caffeine Half
Nestlé Japan is strategically expanding its "Nescafé Gold Blend" product line with the official launch of "Nescafé Gold Blend Caffeine Half," a coffee product that offers 50% less caffeine. The product, which comes in four variations—jar, refill pack, refill pouch, and stick black—was released on...
Bake and brew: Japanese bakery company tackles food waste by upcycling bread crusts into craft beers
Sakaeya Bakery, founded in 1923, launched the Better Life with Upcycle brand in 2021 to address food waste. In 2022, it introduced a sustainable craft beer made from bread crusts via an external brewery before establishing its own brewery in 2023. The bakery’s new business model focuses on...
FamilyMart launches four plant-based products in the fourth installment of the “Blue Green Project.
On December 3rd, FamilyMart (Tokyo) began selling four new products made with plant-based ingredients as part of its "Blue Green Project," which is themed around caring for the global environment, at approximately 16,300 stores nationwide. The "Blue Green Project" is a product series developed...
The acquisition of Seiyu by Trial has the potential to be a major turning point in Japan’s retail industry.
The Transformation of Japan’s Retail Industry: The Impact of Trial’s Acquisition of Seiyu 1. Background and Purpose of the Acquisition On March 5, 2025, Trial Holdings (hereafter referred to as Trial), a major discount retailer, announced its acquisition of Seiyu, one of Japan's leading...
Asahi Beer to release first new brand in seven years, “The Vitalist,” in April
Asahi Breweries (Tokyo) announced on the 21st that it will release a new product, "Asahi The Vitalist," on April 15th. This is the first new brand of standard-priced beer in seven years, and is characterized by a refreshing bitterness and clean aftertaste. The company aims to capture demand ahead...
Dubai Chocolate, a hot topic all over the world, is now on sale from divan in Japan.
Dubai Chocolate: A Global Sensation Now Available in Japan! Dubai Chocolate, which started as a small side hustle during the COVID-19 pandemic, has grown into a worldwide trend thanks to its popularity on social media. In December 2023, a viral TikTok video posted by food influencer Maria Vehera...
Cheese category insight: Key new product is Meiji & Saint-Moret Cream Cheese Dessert Innovation.
The cheese market in Japan has been growing with consumption increasing by 30% over the past decade.The Japanese cheese market has been steadily growing in recent years, with consumption increasing by approximately 30% over the past decade. In 2019, total consumption reached a record high of...
FamilyMart Introduces New Supervised Sweets Series for the Valentine’s Season
FamilyMart Co., Ltd. (Headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Kensuke Hosomi) will launch a new series of sweets under "Famimaru Sweets," supervised by PIERRE HERMÉ Anthology, at approximately 16,200 FamilyMart stores nationwide starting Tuesday, January 28, 2025. PIERRE HERMÉ Anthology...
7-Eleven, freshly brewed tea in-store, 1,000 shops in three years.
7-Eleven Japan has introduced freshly brewed tea as part of its "Seven Cafe" product line, marking a significant step in its efforts to diversify its offerings and attract a broader customer base. This initiative builds on the success of its freshly brewed coffee and aims to tap into the growing...
Japan Dairy Association Launches “Discover Yogurt for My Lifestyle” Project
The Japan Dairy Association (JDA) launched the "Discover Yogurt for My Lifestyle" campaign on January 15, aiming to promote yogurt consumption and support the development of healthy habits in Japan's super-aging society. The initiative seeks to highlight yogurt's value as an easy way to consume...
Innovation from GLICO : Glico Launches ‘Tunmel’: Premium Chocolate Made with Cold Extraction for Pure Cacao Flavor
Ancient Maya-Inspired Chocolate: Tunmel – The Fusion of Tradition and Modern Craftsmanship.Ezaki Glico has introduced a new chocolate brand, "Tunmel", crafted with only cacao nibs and minimal sugar to deliver a simple yet premium chocolate experience. This brand incorporates the innovative Cold...
Lotte’s Premium Ghana x Pierre Hermé Collaboration: Indulge in Valentine’s Self-Treat Chocolates
Lotte's Premium Ghana: Chocolate Shop Quality Aimed at Self-Reward Indulgence Lotte has collaborated with Pierre Hermé to release three products under its "Premium Ghana" brand: "Truffle <Ispahan>", "Fruit Chocolate <Satine>", and "Nama Chocolate <Infiniment Vanille>". These...
Food Trend Forecast 2025 in Japan by CookPad
Source: Cook Pad Food Trend Forecast 2025 What is CookPad? Cookpad Co., Ltd. has announced “Food Trend Predictions 2025” based on data from Japan’s largest recipe service, “Cookpad.” The data includes search keywords, access trends, monthly page views of approximately 40 million, and approximately...
On January 6, Ryohin Keikaku will open its first-ever hospital-based store, “Café&Meal MUJI” in the entrance building of St. Marianna University School of Medicine Hospital.
A MUJI retail shop will also be included, aiming to support the daily lives of inpatients, visitors, and local residents. Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President: Satoshi Shimizu) will open its first-ever hospital-based store, “Café&Meal MUJI St. Marianna...